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Trophoblastic tumors in Greenland
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Indigenous Greenlandic women exhibit exceptionally high rates of invasive trophoblastic tumors, with a significant association to hydatidiform mole. Genetic predisposition, possibly linked to HL-A 9 antigen, may explain these elevated incidences.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hydatidiform mole and invasive growing trophoblastic tumors (IGTT) are gestational trophoblastic diseases with varying incidences globally.
- Previous studies suggest geographical and ethnic variations in the occurrence of these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of hydatidiform mole and IGTT among indigenous Greenlandic women from 1950-1974.
- To investigate the association between hydatidiform mole and IGTT in this population.
- To explore potential risk factors, including age and genetic predisposition, for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of case records for hydatidiform mole and IGTT in indigenous Greenlandic women between 1950 and 1974.
- Calculation of incidence rates based on live births.
- Comparison of incidences with Danish women residing in Greenland and data from other global populations.
- Analysis of patient age and HL-A antigen prevalence.
Main Results:
- The incidence of benign hydatidiform mole was 1:850 births, comparable to low-risk areas.
- The incidence of IGTT (1:2861 births) and choriocarcinoma (1:5245 births) were among the highest recorded population-based incidences.
- Both mole and IGTT incidences increased in older women, with a recent rise in teenage mole cases.
- A strong association was found: 20% of women with mole developed IGTT, and 64% of IGTT cases were preceded by mole.
- Danish women in Greenland had a higher mole incidence (1:685) but no IGTT cases.
Conclusions:
- Indigenous Greenlandic women experience a disproportionately high incidence of invasive growing trophoblastic tumors.
- A significant link exists between hydatidiform mole and the development of IGTT in this population.
- The underlying reasons for the high IGTT occurrence remain unclear, but a genetic predisposition, potentially related to the HL-A 9 antigen, is hypothesized.