At Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, we take a precision medicine approach to determine the best treatment plan for your unique medical history. Our gynecologic oncologists will communicate regularly with other Penn specialists and members of your care team to provide comprehensive, integrated care. And we are experienced in creating fertility-sparing treatment plans when current or future pregnancy is a consideration.
Learn more about Penn Medicine’s fertility preservation program
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Treatments at Penn Medicine
Although most cases of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) are benign (not cancer) tumors, Penn doctors will follow up for six months after treatment to see if the growth has returned or become cancerous.
Treatment for GTD depends on:
- Age
- Type of GTD
- If the tumor has spread
- The number, location, and size of tumors in the body
- Blood level of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), a hormone that the body makes during pregnancy
- How soon the tumor was diagnosed after the pregnancy began
- If GTD occurred after a molar pregnancy, miscarriage, or normal pregnancy
- Previous treatment for GTD
Learn more about Gestational Trophoblastic Disease treatments at Penn Medicine:
Oncology Navigators
Oncology navigators are focused on patients and committed to making sure that you receive the best possible care. They are experts in navigating complex health care situations and serve as a consistent point of contact and a reliable source for advice, support and direction for you and your family.
Integrative Medicine for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
While conventional medicine plays a critical role in cancer treatment, integrative medicine and wellness programs can help you enhance your quality of life, minimize or reduce the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, as well as promote healing and recovery. Our integrative oncology services for gestational trophoblastic disease can supplement traditional cancer treatments.
Our cancer specialists are knowledgeable and supportive of complementary cancer treatments. We can work with you and your family to integrate supportive programs into your overall care plan while ensuring your health and safety.
Services include:
Joan Karnell Supportive Services at Pennsylvania Hospital offers an extensive variety of supportive care programs for patients and families, from diagnosis through survivorship. These programs are available at no cost to the patients treated at Pennsylvania Hospital, and some are open to patients treated elsewhere. These services include social work counseling, nutrition counseling, psychological counseling and spiritual counseling.
The Cancer Appetite and Rehabilitation Clinic focuses on patients with loss of appetite and weight.
Palliative Care for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Palliative care provides physical, emotional and spiritual care that can enhance your quality of life. It can be used to complement traditional cancer therapies or when curative therapies are no longer an option. Services include palliative chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, as well as psychological counseling, art therapy and support groups for patients and families.
Penn Home Care and Hospice Services
Penn Medicine offers a full range of at-home health care services, including specialized therapies and medications, for patients with cancer and cancer-related conditions.
Learn more about Penn Medicine at Home