Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia risk factors

Template:Choriocarcinoma Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Monalisa Dmello, M.B,B.S., M.D. [2]

Risk factors

Known risk factors

There is convincing evidence that the following factors increase your risk for gestational trophoblastic disease (gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)).

Child-bearing age

Gestational trophoblastic disease (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 gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). A woman’s risk increases with a history of more than one hydatidiform mole.

Family history of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)

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

Possible risk factors

The following factors have been linked with gestational trophoblastic disease (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 gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

Oral contraceptives

Several studies have shown a possible link between using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and an increased risk of gestational trophoblastic disease (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 gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). These factors include infertility, a history of miscarriage, not having children, having had many children (5 or more), menarche 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 gestational trophoblastic disease (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 gestational trophoblastic disease (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 gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD):

• vitamin A deficiency
• socio-economic status