How is GTD diagnosed?
There are several ways to find out if a woman has GTD. Sometimes the diagnosis is made on the basis of a routine ultrasound. Other times, symptoms may trigger the suspicion of GTD. In that case, the doctor will take the medical history and perform a physical exam. The exam will include a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, the doctor will feel the vagina, rectum, and lower abdomen for lumps. The doctor will also feel the uterus to check for appropriate growth during a pregnancy. Additional tests may also be needed for a diagnosis. These tests include: • Beta-hCG Level. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is made from both a normal placenta and from GTD. Women who are pregnant or who have GTD have hCG in their blood and urine. When a woman has GTD, the hormone’s level will be higher than expected in a normal pregnancy. • Ultrasonography. Usually when a woman is diagnosed with GTD she will have an ultrasound. The purpose is to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Ultraso
