Pathology of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a review with recent insights

Authors

  • Tomas Slavik Ampath Pathology Laboratories

Keywords:

gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, mola hydatidosa, malignant trophoblastic tumours.

Abstract

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) refers to a unique and heterogeneous group of conditions demonstrating differentiation towards various components of gestational trophoblast. Variants of hydatidiform mole (HM) are considered benign, whilst choriocarcinoma (CC), placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) and the more recently described epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT), a variant of PSTT, are malignant gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTT). The early and reproducible pathologic diagnosis of the various forms of GTN has been aided by recent developments in tumour markers, laboratory technology and new insights into our understanding of these different gestational diseases. Whilst CC is usually exquisitely chemosensitive, the much rarer PSTT and ETT require primary surgical management for optimal outcome. This dichotomous approach to the management of malignant GTT, determined by FIGO stage and differing tumour biology based on histology, has ensured an overall cure rate in excess of 90% for this group of tumours.

Author Biography

  • Tomas Slavik, Ampath Pathology Laboratories

    MBChB, MMed, FCPath(SA)

    Anatomical Pathologist

    Board member for Pathology

    Ampath Pathology Laboratories

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Published

2010-10-04

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2010)

Section

Review Articles

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.