What is a pregnancy-associated cancer? Matthew Schlumbrecht, MD,
is gynecologic oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Question: What is a pregnancy-associated cancer? Answer: The
placenta is tissue that nourishes a developing fetus during
pregnancy. When placental tissue grows abnormally, it causes a
condition called gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). GTD is
very rare, occurring in less than one out of every 1,000
pregnancies. In most cases, GTD is benign, but in some cases it
can progress to cancer. When the placenta grows abnormally but
is not cancer, the pregnancy is called a molar pregnancy. Molar
pregnancies usually end in miscarriage. In most cases, a molar
pregnancy can be treated easily by removing the abnormal
placental tissue with a procedure called dilatation and
curettage (D&C). If the placental tissue turns into cancer,
chemotherapy is usually required. A hysterectomy, or removal of
the uterus, may be recommended. Fortunately, cure rates with
chemotherapy are very high. Symptoms o