Cancer and Healthy

Gestational is defined as: "Of or related to the period of development in the uterus from conception to birth; pregnancy." Cells in the uterus that help to form the placenta are called trophoblastic cells. So, a gestational trophoblastic tumor is any one of several kinds of tumors that develop from the trophoblastic cells during pregnancy. Hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma are the two most common types of gestational trophoblastic tumor.

Hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy, means that the egg and sperm have joined, but there has been no development of a baby. Rather than the normal development of a fetus, a group of grape-like cysts have formed. This mole doesn't spread beyond the uterus.

Choriocarcinoma is caused by hydatidiform mole cells that are left in the uterus following an abortion or delivery of a baby. It can spread beyond the uterus.

Diagnosing gestational trophoblastic tumor is not easy. In the beginning, the tumor looks like a normal pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding indicates that the doctor should look more closely at what is believed to be a pregnancy. If they baby hasn't moved by the expected time, that is another indication that a gestational tumor might be present.

The first step in diagnosing the disease is a normal pelvic examination. This is usually followed by an ultrasound. A blood test may be ordered. The doctor will be looking for the hormone beta-HCG (beta human chorionic gonadotropin) in high levels. Beta-HCG is always present in a normal pregnancy. The absence of beta-HCG is an indication that the tumor is present.

The chance of a full recovery from this type of tumor depends on several factors. The first factor is the type of tumor present and whether it has spread to other organs. Another major factor is the state of the overall health of the woman.