Placental site trophoblastic tumor explained

Placental site trophoblastic tumor
Field:Oncology, obstetrics

Placental site trophoblastic tumor is a form of gestational trophoblastic disease, which is thought to arise from intermediate trophoblast.[1]

The tumor may secrete human placental lactogen,[2] and result in a false-positive pregnancy test.[3]

A placental site trophoblastic tumor is a monophasic neoplasm of the implantation site intermediate trophoblast, and usually a benign lesion, which comprises less than 2% of all gestational trophoblastic proliferations. Preceding conditions include molar pregnancy (5%). Compared to choriocarcinoma or invasive mole, hemorrhage is less conspicuous and serum β-HCG level is low, making early diagnosis difficult.

Immunohistochemistry

Often stains with hPL, keratin, Mel-CAM, EGFR.

Treatment

Because chemotherapy is ineffective; the patient should undergo hysterectomy.

Prognosis

10–20% of cases metastasize leading to death.

Notes and References

  1. Shih IM, Kurman RJ . The pathology of intermediate trophoblastic tumors and tumor-like lesions . International Journal of Gynecological Pathology . 20 . 1 . 31–47 . January 2001 . 11192071 . 10.1097/00004347-200101000-00004 .
  2. Web site: Question 1 . Examinations in Organ System Pathology . https://web.archive.org/web/20100406040413/http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/EXAM/MULTORG/fem1frm.html . 6 April 2010 .
  3. Whitney KA . Placental site trophoblastic tumor . The American Journal of Nursing . 109 . 12 . 32–7; quiz 38 . December 2009 . 19935163 . 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000365176.62954.11 . 5535092 .