OnlineMedEd: Gynecology - "Moles"

Question 1

What is the genetic makeup of complete molar pregnancy?

Answer 1

All paternal: this can be one sperm that fertilizes an empty egg and then divides or two sperms that fertilize one empty egg; either XX or XY –YY, for whatever reason, does not survive.

Question 2

What symptoms might a woman with complete molar pregnancy have?

Answer 2

• Hyperemesis gravidarum (because ß-hCG causes nausea/vomiting and it will be extremely elevated in complete molar pregnancy)
• Hyperthyroid symptoms (because ß-hCG shares a homologous region with TSH)

Question 3

Explain this fact: “The best diagnostic tool for complete molar pregnancy is also the treatment.”

Answer 3

Suction curretage provides tissue sample –for definitive diagnosis –and is curative.

OCPs and monitoring of serial ß-hCGs should follow.

Question 4

The diagnosis and treatment of partial molar pregnancies is ________________.

Answer 4

the exact same as complete molar pregnancies: suction curretage, OCPs, and serial ß-hCGs

Question 5

Choriocarcinoma can occur after ______________.

Answer 5

a molar pregnancy, miscarriage, or normal pregnancy

Question 6

List the chemotherapies used to treat choriocarcinoma.

Answer 6

MAC
• Methotrexate
•Actinomycin D
•Cyclophosphamide