Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia affects a woman’s uterus. As part of a woman’s reproductive system, the uterus (womb) is where a fetus (unborn baby) grows during pregnancy. In the earliest stages of pregnancy, trophoblast cells normally surround the embryo (unborn baby) and eventually develop into the placenta. The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus and provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby through the umbilical cord.
Normally, cells in the body will grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells. This growth is usually precise. Once enough cells are produced to replace the old ones, normal cells stop dividing. Tumors occur when there is an error and cells continue to grow uncontrollably. With gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, a tumor begins from the trophoblast cells of the uterus.
There are four types of malignant (cancerous) gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
- Invasive moles are trophoblast cells that grow into the muscle layer of the uterus.
- Choriocarcinomas are trophoblast cells that spread (metastasize) to the muscle layer of the uterus, nearby blood vessels and possibly other organs.
- Placental-site trophoblastic tumors are rare, slow-growing and spread into the muscle of the uterus, blood vessels. They may also spread (metastasize) to the lungs, pelvis, or lymph nodes.
- Epithelioid trophoblastic tumors are very rare tumors and can spread (metastasize) to the lungs.
Compared to other reproductive cancers, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is usually curable, especially if detected early. Successful treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia depends on age, stage and location of cancer and other factors.