Persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma
Persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma are very rare pregnancy-related tumours. They are known as gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTTs).
Persistent trophoblastic disease
About one in 600 pregnancies are found to be a molar pregnancy.
This is where the foetus and placenta don't form properly and a baby doesn't usually develop.
This usually results in the loss of the pregnancy (miscarriage).
In most molar pregnancies, any remaining abnormal tissue in the womb usually dies off.
But in a small number of women, the tissue can stay and grow further into the lining of the womb and, like a cancer, spread to other areas of the body.
This is known as persistent trophoblastic disease.
Symptoms of persistent trophoblastic disease
Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of persistent trophoblastic disease. Other symptoms include:
- abdominal (tummy) swelling
- anaemia
Chemotherapy is usually used to treat the condition.
Treatment is successful in curing almost all cases of persistent trophoblastic disease.
Choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer that occurs in around one in 50,000 pregnancies. It can develop if the cells left behind after a pregnancy become cancerous.
This can happen after any pregnancy, but it's more likely after molar pregnancies.
It can happen several months, or even years, after a pregnancy.
Although choriocarcinoma starts in the womb, it can spread to other parts of the body, most commonly, the lungs.
Symptoms of choriocarcinoma
The symptoms of choriocarcinoma depend on where the cancer has spread to. Spread of cancer to the:
- vagina can cause heavy bleeding and/ or a lump (nodule) in the vagina
- lungs can cause symptoms including cough, difficulty breathing and chest pain
- abdomen (tummy) can cause abdominal pain
- brain may cause headaches or seizures
Chemotherapy is used to treat choriocarcinoma and usually successfully cures it.
Outlook
Overall, the outlook for persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma is excellent. 98 to 100 per cent of women who develop a gestational trophoblastic cancer are cured.
But your outlook will depend on your individual personal circumstances.
Further information is available at the links below:
More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.
For further information see terms and conditions.