Question 1

What is Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?

Accepted Answer

Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare condition where abnormal cells grow inside the uterus after conception. It is caused by abnormal placental tissue development following pregnancy, resulting in tumors that can be benign or malignant. The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test is the most important blood test for detection because it measures elevated placental isoenzymes that indicate abnormal trophoblastic tissue growth.

Question 2

What causes gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

Gestational trophoblastic disease is caused by abnormal development of placental tissue after conception, where cells that normally form the placenta grow abnormally instead. This can happen after a normal pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or most commonly with a molar pregnancy where the fertilized egg develops incorrectly. Risk factors include maternal age over 35 or under 20, previous molar pregnancy, and certain nutritional deficiencies like low carotene intake.

Question 3

What is the best test for gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test is the most important blood test for gestational trophoblastic disease because it detects elevated levels of placental alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes that indicate abnormal trophoblastic tissue growth. When placental isoenzymes are elevated in your blood, it suggests that abnormal placental cells are actively growing in your uterus. This test is typically used alongside hCG hormone monitoring and ultrasound imaging to confirm the diagnosis and track treatment response.

Question 4

When should I get tested for gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unusual vaginal bleeding during or after pregnancy, have a uterus that seems larger than expected for your pregnancy stage, or have persistent nausea and vomiting beyond typical morning sickness. Testing is also important if you pass grape-like tissue clusters from your vagina, have high blood pressure early in pregnancy, or if an ultrasound shows abnormal tissue instead of a normal pregnancy. Additionally, if your pregnancy test remains positive weeks after a miscarriage or abortion, you should seek testing immediately.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy, often dark brown to bright red with grape-like tissue clusters. You might experience severe nausea and vomiting beyond normal morning sickness, pelvic pressure or pain, and a rapidly growing abdomen that seems larger than expected for your pregnancy dates. Some women develop early pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, preeclampsia symptoms including swelling and headaches, or signs of hyperthyroidism such as rapid heartbeat and anxiety.

Question 6

Who is at risk for gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

Women over age 35 or under age 20 face higher risk, as do those who have had a previous molar pregnancy or previous gestational trophoblastic disease. Your risk increases if you have a history of miscarriage, especially multiple miscarriages, or if you live in certain geographic regions including Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Latin America. Women with nutritional deficiencies, particularly low dietary carotene and vitamin A, also have elevated risk, as do those with blood type A when the father has blood type O.

Question 7

What happens if gestational trophoblastic disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated gestational trophoblastic disease can develop into invasive cancer that spreads beyond the uterus to other organs including the lungs, liver, and brain. The abnormal tissue can invade through the uterine wall causing severe bleeding and life-threatening hemorrhage. Even benign forms can become persistent, requiring a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and eliminate fertility. Early detection and treatment provide an excellent cure rate of over 90%, but delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of metastatic disease and mortality.

Question 8

Can gestational trophoblastic disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests play a crucial supporting role in diagnosing gestational trophoblastic disease, though they work best alongside ultrasound and tissue examination. The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test identifies elevated placental enzymes that suggest abnormal tissue growth, while serial hCG hormone measurements track unusually high or persistent levels that indicate the condition. Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease, but they provide essential markers that help your healthcare provider determine if further evaluation with imaging or biopsy is necessary.

Question 9

How is gestational trophoblastic disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the type and stage but typically starts with dilation and curettage to remove abnormal tissue from the uterus. If the disease persists or spreads, chemotherapy is highly effective with cure rates exceeding 90% for most types, using medications like methotrexate or actinomycin D. In rare cases where the disease is resistant or if childbearing is complete, a hysterectomy may be recommended. After treatment, you will need regular blood tests to monitor hCG levels for 6 to 12 months to ensure the disease has not returned.

Question 10

How can I prevent gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent gestational trophoblastic disease, you can reduce your risk by maintaining adequate nutrition with foods high in vitamin A and carotene like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. Waiting at least 6 to 12 months between pregnancies may help reduce risk, especially if you have had a previous molar pregnancy. Using reliable contraception during the recommended waiting period after treatment is essential. Regular prenatal care with early ultrasound can help detect abnormalities early when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home for gestational trophoblastic disease?

Accepted Answer

After diagnosis, follow your doctor's instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments for blood tests and monitoring, as this is critical for detecting any recurrence. Use reliable contraception during your recovery period to prevent pregnancy while your body heals and allow accurate hCG monitoring. Eat a nutritious diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins to support your body's recovery, and get adequate rest while avoiding strenuous activities. Watch for warning signs like heavy bleeding, severe pain, or difficulty breathing, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if these occur.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Blood Test

What is Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?

What causes gestational trophoblastic disease?

What is the best test for gestational trophoblastic disease?

When should I get tested for gestational trophoblastic disease?

References

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