Screening for persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma
This page has information about screening for persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma - types of tumours known as gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTT for short). There is information below about
Screening for persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma
These conditions belong to a group of tumours known as gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTTs). Screening means testing for early stages of a disease before there are any symptoms.
Checking for GTT
The best way to pick up a molar pregnancy or GTT early is to have the routine antenatal care provided by your doctor and midwife during pregnancy. They will keep a close eye on you and do various tests to make sure your baby is developing normally. Early in your pregnancy you will have an ultrasound scan to look for any abnormalities. Ultrasound scanning can pick up GTTs very early. Your doctor will also do tests if you have any abnormal symptoms that might indicate a GTT. If you have a miscarriage or abortion, doctors also check the placenta for any abnormalities.
If you have had a molar pregnancy, you will be under the care of a specialist centre. They will monitor you closely for signs of persistent disease or choriocarcinoma.
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the About persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma section.
Screening means testing for early stages of a disease before there are any symptoms. Before doctors can screen for any disease, they must have an accurate test to use.
The best way to pick up a molar pregnancy early is to have the routine pregnancy (antenatal) care provided by your doctor and midwife. They will keep a close eye on you and do various tests to make sure your baby is developing normally. Early in your pregnancy you will have an ultrasound scan to look for any abnormalities. Ultrasound scanning can pick up many molar pregnancies very early. Your doctor will also do tests if you have any abnormal symptoms that might be a sign of a GTT.
If you have a miscarriage or abortion, doctors check the placenta for any abnormalities.
If you have had a molar pregnancy, you will be under the care of a specialist hospital. They will monitor you closely for signs of persistent trophoblastic disease or choriocarcinoma.
In the UK there are 3 specialist hospitals for women with a GTT. All women diagnosed with any type of GTT are referred to one of these centres for follow up. The centres are at
- Charing Cross Hospital in London
- Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield
- Ninewells Hospital in Dundee
Weston Park Hospital and Charing Cross Hospital are also treatment centres for women who need chemotherapy for persistent trophoblastic disease or choriocarcinoma after surgery.
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