Gynecologic Oncology Program

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

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Symptoms and Diagnosis

Early signs of gestational trophoblastic disease are sometimes difficult to detect because the symptoms may appear to be related to a normal pregnancy. A woman who experiences vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge, rapid abdominal swelling or abdominal pain, or severe vomiting should see a doctor.

If the doctor suspects that a woman has gestational trophoblastic disease, he or she will use several tests to evaluate the patient. An internal (pelvic) examination is usually the first of these tests. The doctor will feel for any lumps or anything strange in the shape or size of the uterus. The doctor may then do an ultrasound (a test using sound waves) or a CAT scan to look for tumors.

The doctor will also order a blood test to look for high levels of a hormone called beta hCG (beta human chorionic gonadotropin), which is present during normal pregnancy. A woman who is not pregnant but has hCG in her blood may have gestational trophoblastic disease.

Most patients recover from gestational trophoblastic disease and do very well. However, a small percentage will need chemotherapy or other treatment.


This page was last updated on: March 3, 2008.