MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY: A TEN YEAR REVIEW (2003 – 2012)

Abstract

Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a spectrum of proliferative disorders of
the placental trophoblast with a range of histological appearances and clinical behaviours. It is
reported to be commoner in the developing countries. Although its aetiopathogenesis is as yet
incompletely understood, it is well established that early detection and prompt treatment lead to
the preservation of normal health and fertility.
Aim and Objectives: This study sought to determine the morphological pattern as well as the
age and site distribution of the various forms of GTD histologically diagnosed in the University
of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, between January 2003 and December 2012. It is a
hospital based, retrospective review utilizing materials from the archives of the Department of
Morbid Anatomy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The parameters studied include the
specific histological diagnoses, and the age and site distribution.
Results: A total of 103 cases of GTD were encountered over the ten year period. The age range
was 18 – 62 years, and the mean age was 32 years. GTD was found here to be less common at
the extremes of reproductive age, with the peak prevalence being in the third and fourth decades.
Partial mole was commonest (52.4%), followed by choriocarcinoma (23.3%) and complete mole
(22.3%). The ratio of partial to complete mole was 2.3:1, while the benign / malignant ratio was
3.3:1. The uterus was the site of GTD in 82.5% of cases, while 17.5% of cases were distributed
among ectopic sites. There was failure to clinically or grossly identify molar vesicles in 75.9% of
cases of hydatidiform mole; this highlights the relevance of histopathological examination of all
products of both intrauterine and ectopic gestation.

Conclusion: The prevalence of GTD appears to have been rising in this environment in the
recent years, though the pattern is largely unchanged for now. Malignant GTD
(choriocarcinoma) however seems to be fairly common, as is ectopic GTD.

MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY: A TEN YEAR REVIEW (2003 – 2012)