Clinico-pathological Features of Placental Tumors

Abstract

Placental tumors are a result of abnormal proliferation of placental tissues. This includes both gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) and nontrophoblastic tumours. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) includes both premalignant (hydatidiform mole) and malignant tumours (invasive moles, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumor, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor and atypical placental site nodule). GTD incidence is high in Asia and Latin America. Patients usually present with abnormal uterine bleeding. Patients with mutations in NLRP7 and KHDC3 L genes linked to recurrent molar pregnancies and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes (HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1) associated with increased susceptibility. Early detection of molar pregnancy via ultrasound and serial beta human chorionic gonadotropin monitoring can help reach a diagnosis. Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) criteria have to be met in order to make a diagnosis of GTN. FIGO scoring (low risk <7, high risk ≥7, and ultra-high risk >13) and staging are mandatory before planning further management.