Frequently Asked Questions about Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a term for growths in the uterus that occur after conception. GTD is caused by conception (when sperm and egg join) and can develop during the early stages of a normal or ectopic pregnancy, or following a miscarriage or abortion.

GTD growths can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Most types of GTD are benign. However, some GTDs that start out benign can become malignant. Certain conditions can raise this risk.

Choriocarcinoma is a cancerous form of GTD that most often develops from a molar pregnancy (also called hydatidiform mole or HM).

GTD is very rare. In the United States, about 110 per 100,000 pregnancies develop into GTD.

Choriocarcinoma is very rare, affecting about 1 in 40,000 pregnancies. However, on average, one in 40 molar pregnancies will develop into choriocarcinoma.

Signs of GTD include vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than six weeks after birth, miscarriage, or abortion, as well as pain or pressure in the uterus and high blood pressure.

Signs of choriocarcinoma are similar to signs of GTD. However, because it is a cancer, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, and cause symptoms there.

If you have GTD, you will not be able to feel the tumor itself. However, you may feel pain or pressure in the abdomen or your uterus may become enlarged.

Most forms of GTD are benign (non-cancerous). However, cancerous forms, such as choriocarcinoma, can spread to other parts of the body if they are untreated.

If you are diagnosed with GTD, our fertility preservation program will evaluate your options for having a family in the future.