Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Doctor discusses care plan with nurse

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and choriocarcinoma, a type of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), often show the signs and symptoms of a normal pregnancy.

  • Vaginal bleeding after delivery, miscarriage or abortion that lasts longer than six weeks and shows no signs of stopping
  • An enlarged uterus
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • High blood pressure with headache and swelling of feet and hands early in pregnancy
  • Anemia, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Overactive thyroid

Signs of Choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma is a cancerous form of GTD and is the most aggressive type of GTN, so it is important to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after an abortion, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or full-term pregnancy.

  • Vaginal bleeding that lasts longer than six weeks and doesn’t show signs of slowing down
  • Neurologic (brain) symptoms or cough, which could mean that the cancer has spread