Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare group of conditions that affect women during pregnancy. It occurs when abnormal cells develop in the tissues that would normally form the placenta. GTD can be categorized into two main types: hydatidiform mole and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
Hydatidiform mole, also known as a molar pregnancy, is the most common form of GTD. It happens when a non-viable fertilized egg implants in the uterus and develops into an abnormal mass of cells instead of a fetus. This mass can take the form of a complete mole or a partial mole.
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia refers to the development of cancerous cells from the abnormal tissue left behind after a molar pregnancy or a normal pregnancy. This can include invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumor, or epithelioid trophoblastic tumor.
GTD can cause various symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting, enlarged uterus, and high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. It is important to diagnose and treat GTD promptly to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.