Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor: Symptoms and Risks

Gestational trophoblastic tumor is a rare type of cancer that develops in the cells that would normally form the placenta during pregnancy. This tumor can have a significant impact on health as it may grow and spread to other parts of the body. It can lead to various complications and affect the overall wellbeing of the individual. Early detection and proper management are crucial in addressing the health implications associated with gestational trophoblastic tumors.

What are the Symptoms of Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor?

Gestational trophoblastic tumor symptoms may include various signs that can manifest during pregnancy or after giving birth.

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Causes of Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor

Gestational trophoblastic tumor primarily occurs due to abnormal growth of cells in the tissue that forms after conception but can also result from molar pregnancies or certain genetic factors.

Hydatidiform mole
Complete mole
Partial mole
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Choriocarcinoma

Types of Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor

Gestational trophoblastic tumors can manifest in different types or forms, each with distinct characteristics and implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Hydatidiform Mole: A noncancerous tumor that forms in the uterus during pregnancy, characterized by abnormal growth of placental tissue.
Invasive Mole: A type of gestational trophoblastic tumor that has invaded into the uterine wall and can be locally aggressive.
Choriocarcinoma: A highly malignant and rare cancer that develops from trophoblastic cells in the placenta, often occurring after molar pregnancies.
Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor: A rare form of gestational trophoblastic tumor that arises from the site where the placenta was attached.
Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor: A rare and aggressive variant of gestational trophoblastic tumor that can occur following a normal pregnancy or molar pregnancy.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for Gestational trophoblastic tumor include a history of molar pregnancies, advanced maternal age, and certain genetic factors. Risk factors for Gestational trophoblastic tumor:

Previous molar pregnancy
Advanced maternal age (over 35)
Asian ethnicity
History of miscarriage
History of infertility treatments
Low intake of dietary carotene
Blood type A
A family history of molar pregnancies
Smoking during pregnancy

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Diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor

Gestational trophoblastic tumor is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests.

Blood tests
Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)
Biopsy of the abnormal tissue

Treatment for Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor

Gestational trophoblastic tumor is typically treated with a combination of approaches tailored to the specific characteristics and stage of the tumor.

Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for gestational trophoblastic tumors, involving the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
Surgery: Sometimes used to remove larger tumors or when chemotherapy is not effective in treating the tumor.
Radiation Therapy: Utilized in specific cases to target and destroy cancer cells in the affected area.
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus may be recommended in certain situations to treat the tumor.
Targeted Therapy: A newer treatment approach that focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth to block their function.