GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC NEOPLASIA: DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) comprises a rare group of tumors that arise from the trophoblast, the tissue responsible for the formation of the placenta. These tumors include hydatidiform mole, invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, and placental site trophoblastic tumor, with hydatidiform mole being the most common form. GTN can occur after any type of pregnancy, including miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, affecting 1 in every 1,000 to 2,000 pregnancies worldwide. GTN is characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue, with local invasive potential and the ability to metastasize. Diagnosis is based on elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), ultrasound, and, in more advanced cases, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment ranges from uterine curettage to chemotherapy, depending on the type and extent of the disease. In cases of hydatidiform mole, most patients respond well to curettage and hCG monitoring. However, in malignant cases, chemotherapy is highly effective, resulting in cure rates exceeding 90%. Regular monitoring of hCG levels after treatment is crucial for the early detection of recurrences.