Molar pregnancy Flashcards
what is a hydatidiform mole?
a “tumour which grows within the uterus like a pregnancy”
what is a complete mole?
when two sperm fertilise an egg that has no genetic material in it
no foetal products will form, but a placenta-like structure will form
what is a partial mole?
when two sperm fertilise the same egg at the same time
some foetal products will form
5 indications that the pregnancy may be molar
severe N+V (high HCG)
thyrotoxicosis (HCG mimics TSH)
large uterus for gestational age
abnormally high HCG levels
PV bleeding
what will be seen on USS of the pelvis in a molar pregnancy?
“snowstorm” appearance
how is the definitive diagnosis of molar pregnancy made?
with histology following evacuation of the mole
what is the management of a hydatidiform mole?
evacuation of the uterus
important monitoring for patients who have previously had a hydatidiform mole?
serial HCG monitoring until they return to normal - if they do not, this suggests there is ectopic mole tissue as it has metastasised.
management of patients with hydatidiform moles which metastasise
chemotherapy
