Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Symptoms & Diagnosis | Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute

What are the symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease?

Symptoms of gestational trophoblastic tumors can include:

Irregular vaginal bleeding (non-menstrual), possibly with blood clots or watery brown discharge.
Nausea or vomiting more than a woman experiences during a typical pregnancy.
Pelvic pain.
Signs of anemia, including fatigue or shortness of breath.
High blood pressure, headaches and swelling of the hands and feet early in pregnancy.
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid, including shakiness, sweating or a fast heartbeat.
A larger-than-normal uterus during pregnancy.

How is gestational trophoblastic disease diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have GTD, he or she will conduct a physical exam and ask about your medical history. You will then undergo diagnostic tests, such as a urine pregnancy test and a blood test to check for beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone the body produces during pregnancy.

If tests show you have elevated levels of HCG, your doctor will conduct an ultrasound to determine whether GTD is present. Other imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs may be done, as well.

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What are the symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease?

How is gestational trophoblastic disease diagnosed?

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