Gestational trophoblastic disease - a review

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) comprises a spectrum of uncommon and unique clinical and pathologic entities. The process of GTD is now better understood and new entities such as placental-site trophoblastic tumor (PSST) and epitheloid trophoblastic tumor have been morphologically defined. Complete hydatiform mole, a form of the villous type of GTD, has to be distinguished from partial mole because of the different cytogenetic composition and risk for persistent disease. Choriocarcinoma is the most frequent form of nonvillous GTD. Both PSST and epitheloid trophoblastic tumor derive from the intermediate trophoblastic cells and usually have a benign course. Optimal treatment requires a precise morphologic classification and close cooperation between the pathologist and the clinician. All patients treated for GTD require long-term monitoring of serum hCG. Patients with GTD should be registered, and possibly treated, at specialized centers.     «

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) comprises a spectrum of uncommon and unique clinical and pathologic entities. The process of GTD is now better understood and new entities such as placental-site trophoblastic tumor (PSST) and epitheloid trophoblastic tumor have been morphologically defined. Complete hydatiform mole, a form of the villous type of GTD, has to be distinguished from partial mole because of the different cytogenetic composition and risk for persistent disease. Choriocarcinoma...     »