Trophoblastic Tumor
Trophoblastic Tumor Causes
Trophoblastic tumor may be uncommon but it is usually curable. A cancer that can be associated with pregnancy, it forms in the tissues that develop after a baby is conceived. The tumor looks like the cells that normally surround a developing baby and approximately 50% of cases of those who have the disease had a hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy). Almost one-fourth of said tumor occurs after pregnancy has resulted in the delivery of a normal child. The remaining cases occur after any type of abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or genital tumor.
Trophoblastic Tumor Definition
Also known as Gestational trophoblastic disease or Trophoblastic neoplasms a Trophoblastic tumor is a quick growing form of cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus after a pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion. The disease is usually metastasizes and spreads to other places in the body. It's other name is choriocarcinoma.
Trophoblastic Tumor Diagnosis
Performing pelvic examinations may expose continued uterine enlargement or a tumor and may be felt within the genitor-urinary tract. Other tests include quantitative serum HCG, CT scan and chest x-ray.
Trophoblastic Tumor Symptoms and Signs
Women usually experience continued vaginal bleeding particularly those with a recent history of hydatidiform mole, abortion, or pregnancy. Among the other symptoms are irregular vaginal bleeding, certain types of cysts on the ovaries, uneven swelling of the uterus, persistently high HCG levels, and pain.
Trophoblastic Tumor Treatment
To treat the disease, careful history and examination are done to rule out metastasis (spread to other organs) after the initial diagnosis. Just like any other form of cancer, chemotherapy is the treatment of choice and a hysterectomy is rarely required.