Gestational trophoblastic disease
Gestational trophoblastic disease (pronunciation: jes-tay-shuh-nl troh-foh-blas-tik dih-zeez) is a term used to describe a group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of cells inside a woman's uterus.
Etymology
The term "gestational" is derived from the Latin word "gestare" which means "to carry or to bear". The term "trophoblastic" is derived from the Greek words "tropho" meaning "nourishment" and "blast" meaning "germ". The term "disease" is derived from the Old French "desaise" meaning "lack of ease".
Types
Gestational trophoblastic disease can be broadly classified into four types:
- Hydatidiform mole: This is the most common type of gestational trophoblastic disease. It occurs when an egg with no genetic information is fertilized by a sperm.
- Choriocarcinoma: This is a highly malignant form of gestational trophoblastic disease that can spread to other organs.
- Placental-site trophoblastic tumor: This is a rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease that occurs at the site where the placenta was attached to the uterus.
- Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: This is a very rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease that usually occurs after a normal pregnancy or abortion.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Vaginal bleeding not related to menstruation
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Early preeclampsia
- Rapid uterine growth
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease usually involves a combination of ultrasound, blood tests to measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and sometimes a biopsy of the uterus.
Treatment
Treatment options for gestational trophoblastic disease depend on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's desire to have children in the future. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Prognosis
With early detection and proper treatment, the prognosis for gestational trophoblastic disease is generally good. Most women are able to go on to have successful pregnancies after treatment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gestational trophoblastic disease
- Wikipedia's article - Gestational trophoblastic disease
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