Symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease

The signs and symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) may vary depending on the type of GTD, if it is non-cancerous or cancerous and if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Sometimes GTD doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms. Or it can cause signs and symptoms that are similar to pregnancy or other health conditions. GTD can cause:

• heavy vaginal bleeding not related to your period

• a larger uterus than would be expected during pregnancy

• pain or swelling of the abdomen

• nausea and vomiting that is severe and more frequent than would be expected during pregnancy

• headaches with or without swelling of the feet and hands (caused by high blood pressure)

Sometimes GTD can cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. It can cause the following symptoms and can become a serious health problem if it isn’t treated:

• weight loss

• feeling very hot

• sweating a lot

• an abnormally fast heart rate (tachycardia)

Cancerous GTD can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. It can cause different symptoms depending on where it spreads. Symptoms of metastatic GTD include the following:

• You can have a cough or difficulty breathing if GTD spreads to the lungs.

• Heavy bleeding not related to your period can happen if GTD spreads to the vagina.

• Abdominal pain can mean that GTD has spread to organs in the abdomen, such as the colon, small intestine, kidney or spleen.

• You can have headaches or dizziness if GTD spreads to the brain.