Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia risk factors

Known risk factors

There is convincing evidence that the following factors increase your risk for GTD.

Child-bearing age

GTD occurs in women of child-bearing age. The risk is higher in women who become pregnant over the age of 40 and those who become pregnant under the age of 20.

Previous hydatidiform mole

Women who have a hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy, are at a higher risk of having another one or having another type of GTD. A woman’s risk increases with a history of more than one hydatidiform mole.

Family history of GTD

Although it is rare, there is a type of GTD that occurs in families (familial). Therefore, a family history of GTD may increase your risk.

Possible risk factors

The following factors have been linked with GTD, but there is not enough evidence to show they are known risk factors. Further study is needed to clarify the role of these factors for GTD.

Oral contraceptives

Several studies have shown a possible link between using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and an increased risk of GTD. But recent studies suggest that there is no association or that the association is weak.

Reproductive factors

Some reproductive factors may increase the risk of GTD. These factors include infertility, a history of miscarriage, not having children, having had many children (5 or more), menarche (first menstrual cycle) after 12 years of age and a light menstrual flow.

Blood types

Some studies have suggested that women with certain blood types are at increased risk of developing GTD. These are women with type A or AB blood, or women with blood type A who have male partners with blood type O.

Unknown risk factors

It isn’t known whether or not the following factors are linked with GTD. It may be that researchers can’t show a definite link or that studies have had different results. Further study is needed to see if the following are risk factors for GTD: vitamin A deficiency socio-economic status