Gestational Trophoblastic Tumours

Abstract

Two types of tumours are recognised:

• 1. Hydatidiform mole: oedematous and avascular villi and trophoblastic overgrowth. The classical “complete” mole has no fetus; in “partial” moles there are focal molar changes in the placenta and a fetus may be present. An invasive mole may show invasion of the myometrium and metastasis, which usually but not always regresses spontaneously.

• 2. Choriocarcinoma: large masses of anaplastic trophoblast invading muscle and blood vessels (but not fetal blood vessels). The villous pattern is generally lost. Vascular metastases in the lung and at the vaginal introitus are common.