Gestational trophoblastic disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a term that encompasses a spectrum of disorders all arising from the placenta, and specifically, from the villous trophoblast of the placenta. These diseases include hydatidiform mole (both complete and partial), invasive mole, choriocarcinoma (CCA), and placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT). The term gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) includes the disorders of invasive mole, CCA, and PSTT, as they have significant clinical impact. While in the past, this spectrum of diseases was known to have serious morbidity and mortality, with current diagnosis and treatment, cure rates are quoted to upwards of 98 % (Sebire and Seckle, BMJ 227:A1193, 2008). In this chapter, diagnosis, staging, and management of gestational trophoblastic disease are discussed.