gestational trophoblastic disorder Flashcards
What are gestational trophoblastic disorders?
Gestational trophoblastic disorders describe a spectrum of disorders originating from the placental trophoblast.
What are the three main types of gestational trophoblastic disorders?
The three main types of gestational trophoblastic disorders are complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole, and choriocarcinoma.
What is a complete hydatidiform mole?
A complete hydatidiform mole is a benign tumour of trophoblastic material.
How does a complete hydatidiform mole occur?
A complete hydatidiform mole occurs when an empty egg is fertilized by a single sperm that then duplicates its own DNA, resulting in all 46 chromosomes being of paternal origin.
What are the features of a complete hydatidiform mole?
Features of a complete hydatidiform mole include bleeding in the first or early second trimester, exaggerated symptoms of pregnancy (e.g., hyperemesis), a uterus large for dates, very high serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and possibly hypertension and hyperthyroidism.
How is a complete hydatidiform mole managed?
Management of a complete hydatidiform mole involves urgent referral to a specialist centre for evacuation of the uterus and recommending effective contraception to avoid pregnancy in the next 12 months.
What percentage of complete hydatidiform moles develop into choriocarcinoma?
Around 2-3% of complete hydatidiform moles go on to develop choriocarcinoma.
What is a partial hydatidiform mole?
A partial hydatidiform mole is a form of gestational trophoblastic disorder where a normal haploid egg is fertilized by two sperms, or by one sperm with duplication of the paternal chromosomes.
How does a partial hydatidiform mole occur?
A partial hydatidiform mole occurs when a normal haploid egg is fertilized by two sperms, or by one sperm with duplication of the paternal chromosomes, resulting in DNA that is both maternal and paternal in origin.
What is the genetic composition of a partial hydatidiform mole?
The genetic composition of a partial hydatidiform mole is usually triploid, such as 69 XXX or 69 XXY.
What can high levels of hCG mimic in complete hydatidiform mole?
High levels of hCG in a complete hydatidiform mole can mimic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
