Trophoblastic diseases are rare diseases that can develop in connection with pregnancy. In our specialized gynaecological cancer center, we treat these with surgery and/or chemotherapy. The therapy depends on the type and spread of the disease.
Trophoblastic diseases develop from the tissue that forms during pregnancy to nourish the embryo (trophoblast). It is a group of diseases that can be benign (benign) or malignant (malignant). The most important forms include
Trophoblastic diseases occur in around 0.5 in 1,000 pregnancies and can develop both during and after pregnancy.
Various examinations are carried out to clarify the situation:
A precise diagnosis is important in order to select the appropriate treatment.
The type of treatment depends on the type of disease. We offer the following treatment options at our center:
The most common treatment for a bladder mole is scraping out the uterus (curettage), often using suction. In certain cases – especially if family planning is complete or the disease is advanced – it may be necessary to remove the uterus (hysterectomy).
Curettage is a routine procedure in gynecology in which the mucous membrane is removed from the inside of the uterus. The procedure is usually performed under a short general anesthetic and is often combined with a hysteroscopy in order to better assess the uterine cavity.
Even if the operation only lasts a short time, patients are monitored in the recovery room afterwards in order to detect complications such as post-operative bleeding at an early stage. Mild abdominal cramps and bleeding may occur for a few days.
For the first few days after the operation we recommend
Chemotherapy is the most important treatment for malignant forms such as invasive mole or chorionic carcinoma. Different medications are used depending on the risk group. We plan chemotherapy for trophoblastic diseases individually for each patient, depending on the tumor stage, general condition and concomitant diseases, and monitor it regularly with blood tests (beta-hCG) to check the success of the treatment. Chemotherapy is usually carried out on an outpatient basis in our day clinic.
After treatment, regular check-ups at our center are important in order to detect a recurrence at an early stage. These include:
During follow-up care, it is recommended to refrain from a new pregnancy until the checks have been completed.
The Gynecological Tumor Center of the USZ is an interdisciplinary center that offers you state-of-the-art diagnostic, treatment and surgical techniques. Every patient with trophoblastic disease is discussed on an interdisciplinary basis at the tumor board in order to obtain the best possible, individually tailored therapy. In our safe, empathetic and discreet environment, we offer you top medical care and prefer to treat you as an outpatient. Thanks to our access to the latest clinical studies, we ensure that you benefit from the latest scientific findings and receive the best possible individual care.
We also offer second opinions for externally diagnosed and treated trophoblastic diseases. Please register for this via our referral form.
Online assignmentIn most cases, it is possible to become pregnant again after treatment and aftercare have been completed. Your treatment team will advise you individually.
Most trophoblastic diseases are very treatable today. The chances of recovery are very high – especially with early diagnosis and treatment in a specialized gynaecological tumor center.
Director of Department, Department of Gynecology
Attending Physician, Department of Gynecology
You can either register yourself or be referred by your family doctor or gynecologist.
Monday – Friday from 7.45 a.m. – 4.45 p.m.
University Hospital Zurich
Department of Gynecology
Frauenklinikstrasse 10
8091 Zurich