Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor Overview

What is a Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor?

A gestational trophoblastic tumor is a rare disease in which cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after fertilization.

A gestational trophoblastic tumor begins in the uterus after the meeting of sperm and egg, but the product of conception is not capable of developing into a fetus.

Types of Gestational Trophoblastic Tumors

The following represent the most common types of this gynecologic cancer.

Choriocarcinoma

• A cancerous tumor that develops from the cells that help an embryo attach to the lining of the uterus.
• This type of tumor grows quickly and can spread to other tissues of the body — especially the lungs — through the bloodstream.
• It usually occurs after fertilization. In rare cases, it can occur on its own in an ovary.

Molar pregnancy

• Also called a hydatidiform mole, this cancer grows from the cells that help an embryo attach to the lining of the uterus.
• This slow-growing tumor is usually noncancerous (benign), but it can sometimes behave like cancer (invasive mole), or develop into a choriocarcinoma.
• A molar pregnancy occurs after fertilization and often resembles a normal pregnancy, at first. Some deformed embryonic tissue may be present.

Placental-site trophoblastic disease

• This type of cancerous tumor begins in the uterus at the site where the placenta was attached to the uterine lining.
• It's an extremely rare form of gestational trophoblastic tumor.

Who's at Risk for Gestational Trophoblastic Tumors?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a gestational trophoblastic tumor, including:

• age over 35
• previous history of molar pregnancy
• southeast Asian ethnicity

» Learn more about gynecologic cancer prevention and screening.

Make an Appointment

Call 1-866-MyMagee to make an appointment or to learn more about the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program.

» Location and directions: Gynecologic Cancer Program.