Log in
Pathological Anatomy · Chapter 21. Pathology of Pregnancy

Trophoblastic disease

*Morbus trophoblasticus*

Gestational trophoblastic disease encompasses a group of pathological conditions developing from the trophoblastic epithelium following pregnancy. It includes both benign forms and malignant tumors that require timely diagnosis based on hormone levels.

Test your knowledge on this topicAsk the AI
Disease markerElevated blood levels of human chorionic gonadotropin
ChoriocarcinomaMalignant tumor derived from cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast
MetastasisEarly hematogenous metastases to the lungs, brain, and liver
Invasive moleInvasion of villi into the myometrium without signs of true malignancy
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated Sep 25, 2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Hydatidiform mole and invasive forms

Hydatidiform mole is the most frequent form of pathology. Following the removal of the tissue, the probability of recovery is high; however, there is a possibility of transformation into choriocarcinoma.

  • Complete hydatidiform mole: the risk of malignant transformation is about 5%.
  • Partial hydatidiform mole: the risk is significantly lower.
  • Invasive mole: characterized by the invasion of villi into the myometrium. It is important to remember that invasive growth here is not an absolute sign of malignancy, as normal trophoblast also possesses invasive properties.

Choriocarcinoma: malignant potential

This is an aggressive tumor devoid of its own stroma and blood vessels. It grows rapidly, causing extensive necrosis and hemorrhage.

  1. History: develops after a hydatidiform mole in 50% of cases, after an abortion in 25%, and after a normal pregnancy in 22.5%.
  2. Clinical features: may manifest even 15–20 years after the termination of pregnancy.
  3. Metastasis: the tumor tends to undergo early hematogenous spread to the lungs, vagina, kidneys, and brain.
Test your knowledge on the topicTasks from the "Pathological Anatomy" course bank — instant answers and explanations.

Placental site trophoblastic tumor

A rare form consisting predominantly of intermediate trophoblast. Unlike choriocarcinoma, this tumor is not characterized by pronounced necrosis and hemorrhage. The tumor cells secrete placental lactogen, and macroscopically it appears as polypoid masses within the myometrium.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

Which nosological forms are included in the classification of gestational trophoblastic disease?

  • Simple hydatidiform mole — a benign form of the disease with a risk of malignant transformation.
  • Invasive mole (Invasive mole) — a malignant trophoblastic tumor with invasion into the myometrium.
  • Choriocarcinoma (Choriocarcinoma) — a malignant tumor originating from the trophoblastic epithelium.
  • Placental site trophoblastic tumor (Placental site trophoblastic tumor) — a rare tumor originating from the intermediate trophoblast.
  • Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor) — a malignant form of gestational trophoblastic disease.
How to memorize

Trophoblast is a "Triplet": Cytotrophoblast, Syncytiotrophoblast, and Intermediate trophoblast. Remember that choriocarcinoma is a "homeless" tumor: it lacks its own stroma and blood vessels, which is why it "runs" (metastasizes) so quickly via the bloodstream.

Class and exam questions

Is invasive growth of villi into the myometrium a sign of cancer?

No, invasive growth in hydatidiform mole is not a sign of true malignancy, since normal trophoblast also possesses the ability to deeply penetrate the myometrium.

Which tissues are constituents of choriocarcinoma?

The tumor consists of atypical cytotrophoblast cells and multinucleated giant syncytiotrophoblast elements.

Why does choriocarcinoma give early metastases?

Due to its growth characteristics: the tumor rapidly destroys tissues, infiltrates blood vessels, and lacks its own stroma, which facilitates the detachment of tumor cells and their hematogenous dissemination.

Got questions? Ask the AIThe AI tutor has read the material on "Gestational trophoblastic disease" and will explain it in simple terms.

What else to study on this topic

  • Physiological functions of the placenta and barrier mechanisms.
  • Classification of inflammatory processes of the placenta (deciduitis, villitis, intervillositis).
  • Routes of placental infection: ascending and hematogenous.
  • Pathogenesis of preterm labor in chorioamnionitis.
  • Complications of funisitis and their impact on the fetus.

Master the entire topic in the "Pathological Anatomy" course

This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.

  • Complete study guide on "Gestational trophoblastic disease" and 4,414 more pages of the subject
  • Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
  • AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
  • 153 video lessons on the subject
Open full reviewSubject curriculumfrom 599 ₽ per month

Other topics in "Chapter 21. Pathology of Pregnancy"

Ectopic pregnancySpontaneous abortionGestational disordersPlacental pathologyTurner syndrome
The entire section «Chapter 21. Pathology of Pregnancy»

Free video lessons: pathological anatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.

Watch lessons

Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.