# A Pathologist’s Dilemma: Placental Site Tumor and Its Differential Diagnosis

**Authors:** Chaimae Daoudi, Anass Haloui, Nada Akouh, Karich Nassira, Amal Bennani

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79599 · Cureus · 2025-02-24

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges in diagnosing a rare placental tumor and highlights the importance of distinguishing it from similar conditions for proper treatment.

## Contribution

The paper provides a detailed case study and differential diagnosis tables to aid in identifying placental site tumors.

## Key findings

- Accurate diagnosis of PSTT requires careful pathological and clinical evaluation.
- Differential diagnosis tables help distinguish PSTT from other gestational trophoblastic tumors.
- The case highlights the rarity and diagnostic challenges of PSTT.

## Abstract

Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is a rare neoplasm originating from intermediate trophoblastic cells at the site of placental implantation. Its diagnosis poses significant challenges, particularly in distinguishing it from other gestational trophoblastic tumors, such as epithelioid trophoblastic tumors, choriocarcinoma, and placental site nodules, as well as the benign exaggerated placental site.

We present a case of a 29-year-old woman with persistent gestational trophoblastic disease following a complete hydatidiform mole. A detailed review of the differential diagnoses is provided in tables to aid in the diagnostic process, allowing for a clearer comparison and better understanding of these conditions.

This report highlights the importance of accurately identifying PSTT by eliminating potential differential diagnoses through careful pathological and clinical evaluation. We aim to assist pathologists and clinicians in recognizing this rare condition to ensure timely and appropriate management.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** placental site trophoblastic tumor (MONDO:0020552), gestational trophoblastic disease (MONDO:0018944), complete hydatidiform mole (MONDO:0016785)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** PSTT (MESH:D018245), hydatidiform mole (MESH:D006828), gestational trophoblastic disease (MESH:D031901), Tumor (MESH:D009369), epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (MESH:D014328), choriocarcinoma (MESH:D002822)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

10 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11947504/full.md

## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11947504/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11947504