Molar Pregnancy Flashcards
What is another name for a molar pregnancy?
Hydatidiform mole
what is a hydatidiform mole?
a tumour that grows like a pregnancy inside the uterus. It can be a complete mole or a partial mole.
What is a complete mole?
when two sperms fertilise an empty ovum with no genetic material.
How many chromosomes will there be in a complete mole?
46 - from both of the sperm, none will come from the ovum.
No foetal material will form.
what is a partial mole?
when two sperm cells fertilise an ovum that DOES HAVE chromosomes.
how many chromosomes will a partial mole have?
69 - two sets from the sperm and one from the ovum.
Some foetal material might be seen.
what signs can be seen in a molar pregnancy?
bleeding in 1st or early 2nd trimester exaggerated symptoms of pregnancy - morning sickness uterus large for dates extremely high hCG hypertension hyperthyroidism thyrotoxicosis
why does hyperthyroidism occur?
because hCG immitates thyroid stimulating hormone
how does a molar pregnancy behave like a normal pregnancy?
periods stop
normal hormonal changes occur
what investigations can be done?
Ultrasound - snowstorm appearance
ultrasound + histology after mole evacuation
What is the management for a molar pregnancy?
evacuation of the uterus
products then sent for histological examination
hCG monitored until its back to normal
contraception to avoid pregnancy for next 12 months
what is a complication of molar pregnancy?
2-3% turn into cancer - choriocarcinoma.
Should be managed with systemic chemotherapy.
What is a molar pregnancy?
when 2 sperm fertilise 1 egg (the egg can have chromosomes or be empty).
