Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) is usually made during routine ultrasound examinations and blood tests for pregnancy. If you have any abnormal signs or symptoms of GTD, contact your doctor immediately. The doctor may recommend any of the following tests to diagnose the disease:
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Blood test for hCG hormone
hCG is a hormone produced by women during pregnancy. hCG levels are elevated in pregnant women and may be even further elevated in women with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD). hCG levels in the blood and urine will be monitored during treatment to ensure the treatment is working, and during follow-up examinations to ensure the cancer has not returned.
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Ultrasound
Diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) is often made during a routine ultrasound for prenatal care. In a molar pregnancy, an ultrasound will show an abnormal growth that looks like a bunch of grapes in the uterus, instead of a healthy fetus. The doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound, in which a wand-shaped scanner with an ultrasound device is inserted into the vagina to create images of the uterus and other pelvic organs.
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Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
Doctors usually can usually identify Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) from ultrasounds and blood tests. However, a surgical procedure called dilation & curettage (D&C) may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. In this procedure, the doctor uses a special instrument called a "curette" to remove the tumor from the uterus and scrape a tissue sample from the uterus. This tissue will then be examined under a microscope to confirm diagnosis and determine specific characteristics about the tumor.
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Computed tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scanner rotates around the patient's body taking X-rays and produces detailed cross-sectional images of the body. A special dye may be injected into the patient's veins and the patient may be asked to drink a special fluid in order to make the internal organs stand out. It allows doctors to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor and check for cancer spread. The doctor may recommend a CT scan to determine if Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce detailed images of body parts. Radio waves are absorbed by the body and then released in a certain pattern, which is translated by a computer in order to show "slices" of the body. MRI scans are very useful for detecting tumors in the pelvis as well as enlarged pelvic lymph nodes. The doctor may recommend an MRI scan to determine if Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) has invaded nearby tissues or structures in the pelvis or spread to distant sites, such as the brain or spinal cord.
