Re: trophoblastic desease

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Gestational trophoblastic disease is a condition in which there is abnormal growth of pregnancy tissue (trophoblasts). It can range from molar pregnancy in which the placenta is swollen and, usually, a fetus is not present to choriocarcinoma in which the abnormal cells can invade the uterus and metastasize to other parts of the body.

Molar pregnancies are treated with D&C. Blood HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels are followed closely afterward. If HCG drops to zero and stays there appropriately, no other treatment is necessary. If HCG levels do not drop, then persistent trophoblastic disease is diagnosed; this is treated with a drug called methotrexate and treatmetn is usually very successful. Sometimes, trophoblstic disease is not diagnosed until it has spread. Sometimes a hysterectomy is necessary in addition to chemotherapy.

Trophoblastic disease is considered the most curable of all gyn cancers. Someone diagnosed witha molar pregnancy or other form of trophoblastic disease should see a gyn oncologist for complete evaluation and recommendation of treatment.

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M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S Lake Tahoe, CA
Replies are for educational purposes only and do not construe a doctor-patient relationship. They do not take the place of a face-to-face consultaion with your own doctor.
***private e-mails will not be answered due to the fact I have a baby I'd like to spend some time with!!*****

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