Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare, highly treatable condition in which cancer cells grow in the trophoblast (the tissue that is formed immediately after a woman's egg is fertilized with sperm and that eventually develops into the placenta).

In this section, you can find information about our expertise in treating patients with gestational trophoblastic disease, our services, and our research.

Our Approach & Expertise
Memorial Sloan-Kettering has one of the most sophisticated programs in the world for women with gestational trophoblastic disease, especially those whose disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Overview
More than 80 percent of gestational trophoblastic disease cases are of the noncancerous variety.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for gestational trophoblastic disease include age and prior history of the disease.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease are increased abdominal swelling, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, and severe nausea and vomiting.
Diagnosis
A blood test for the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone is most commonly used to diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease.
Treatment
Most forms of gestational trophoblastic disease can be cured with prompt management. Surgery and chemotherapy are the most common forms of treatment.
Survivorship & Support
Most women who have had gestational trophoblastic disease can have normal pregnancies later.

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