A gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) is a quite a rare cancer in women. It begins when normal cells begin to change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body.) A GTT is very often the result of an abnormal pregnancy due to an abnormal combination of a sperm and an egg. Otherwise, a GTT is a cancerous growth that begins from a normal placenta. There are three types of GTTs: Hydatidiform mole. Also known as molar pregnancy. This type accounts for about 80% of all GTTs. There are two main types of molar pregnancy: 1. A complete molar pregnancy begins when a sperm fertilizes an abnormal egg. Instead of forming an embryo, the tissue grows into a mound of cells that look like grape-like cysts; there is no evidence of normal fetal development 2. A partial molar pregnancy begins with fertilization of an egg by two sperm. It has some of the features of a complete molar pregnancy, but also has some fetal development. The fetus has abnormal chromosomes and has no potential for survival. Choriocarcinoma. This type of GTT may begin whether through delivery of a baby, abortion (induced termination of a pregnancy), or miscarriage. Choriocarcinoma can spread outside of the uterus. About 5% of all GTTs are choriocarcinomas. |
