Persistent trophoblastic disease
Persistent trophoblastic disease
In the UK, about1 in 600 pregnancies each year are found to be a Trophoblastic disease , where the foetus and placenta do not form properly and a baby does not usually develop. This typically results in dilatation and curettage (D&C) and loss of the pregnancy (miscarriage) .
In most molar pregnancies, any remaining abnormal tissue in the womb spontaneously dies off. But in a small proportion of women, the tissue can remain 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. Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of persistent trophoblastic disease.
Further specialist treatment for persistent trophoblastic disease is needed to make sure that all of the remaining molar tissue is destroyed.
In England, there are two specialist centres for treating the condition Charing Cross Hospital inLondon and Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield.
You may also need to have powerful cancer-killing medicine (chemotherapy) as part of your treatment.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
introduction
Persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma are very rare and are part of a group of tumours called gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTTs).
Persistent trophoblastic disease
In the UK, about1 in 600 pregnancies each year are found to be a Trophoblastic disease , where the foetus and placenta do not form properly and a baby does not usually develop. This typically results
Choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer that occurs in around1 in 50,000 pregnancies. It affects less than 20 women each year in the UK. Choriocarcinoma can develop if the cells left behind aft
Risks
Both persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma are very rare. If you have had a molar pregnancy, you will be monitored closely in case you develop either of these conditions. If you have h
Outlook
Overall, the outlook for persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma is excellent, and 98-100% of women who develop a gestational trophoblastic cancer are cured. However, the outlook for each
Want to know more?
Cancer Research UK: persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma Charing Cross Hospital: Hydatidiform Mole and Choriocarcinoma UK Information and Support Service The Sheffield Trophoblast
What is cancer?
The body is made up of millions of different types of cells. Cancer occurs when cells multiply in an abnormal way. When cancer affects organs and solid tissues, it causes a growth (tumour) to form. C
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