Living with Placental site trophoblastic tumor
A rare cancer that can develop where the placenta was attached to the uterus after a pregnancy, miscarriage or termination.
Understanding Placental site trophoblastic tumor
It can happen after a pregnancy, miscarriage or termination. It is made of cells that produce human placental lactogen (hPL). Unlike other tumors, it usually does not cause tissue death, and bleeding is not severe. In some cases the cancer may spread to other parts of the body.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Irregular bleeding after a miscarriage or termination
- Unexplained bleeding after a normal delivery
- Unexplained bleeding after an ectopic pregnancy
- Missed periods
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists, gynecologic cancer specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and women’s reproductive health specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Gynecologic cancer specialists (gynecologic oncologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Women’s reproductive health specialists (obstetricians / gynecologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: placental site gestational trophoblastic tumor; placental site gestational trophoblastic tumour; placental site trophoblastic tumor (morphologic abnormality); placental site trophoblastic tumour (morphologic abnormality); placental-site gestational trophoblastic neoplasm; placental-site gestational trophoblastic tumor
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyGynecological tumors · United States
- SHARE: Cancer SupportGynecological tumors · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Placental site trophoblastic tumor.
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