Hydatidiform Mole

Question 1

What is a molar pregnancy?

Answer 1

A type of tumour that grows in the uterus like a pregnancy

Question 2

What is a complete mole?

Answer 2

When a sperm cell fertilises an empty egg

Question 3

What is a partial mole?

Answer 3

When two sperm cells fertilise a normal ovum

Question 4

What is the presentation of a molar pregnancy vs a normal pregnancy?

Answer 4

More severe morning sickness
Vaginal bleeding
Increased enlargement of the uterus
Abnormally high hCG
Thyrotoxicosis

Question 5

What are the first line and definitive investigations of a molar pregnancy?

Answer 5

Transvaginal ultrasound
Histology of the mole after evacuation
bHCG levels

Question 6

What is the management of a molar pregnancy?

Answer 6

Evacuation of the mole by surgical curettage
Monitoring of hCG

Question 7

How is hCG monitored in a complete molar pregnancy?

Answer 7

Monthly hCG samples are sent for 6 months following evacuation

Question 8

How is hCG monitored in a partial molar pregnancy?

Answer 8

A hCG sample is sent 4 weeks later - if this is normal, the patient is discharged

Question 9

What is the karyotype of a complete mole?

Answer 9

XX - diploid

Question 10

What is the karyotype of a partial mole?

Answer 10

XXY, XYY or XXX - triploid