The mass often resembles a clump of grapes when viewed on an ultrasound.
DjelicS / Getty Images
Molar pregnancies are usually not cancerous, but sometimes the tumor can bemalignant.
Certain types are more difficult to treat and can pose longer-term health complications.
DjelicS / Getty Images
Hydatidiform Mole
Hydatidiform moles fall into one of two categories: complete or partial.
A complete mole contains no maternalDNAbut two sets of paternal DNA.
With a complete mole, no embryo forms.
A partial mole contains a normal amount of maternal DNA and double the amount of paternal DNA.
With a partial mole, an embryo forms along with an abnormalplacenta.
In both cases, the placenta does not develop or function properly, and the pregnancy is not viable.
Invasive Mole
An invasive mole grows into the deep muscle tissue of theuterus.
Sometimes an invasive mole can grow through the uterine wall, which can result in life-threatening hemorrhage.
Invasive moles can metastasize (spread throughout the body).
Choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinomais a malignant (cancerous) mole.
Choriocarcinomas can metastasize very quickly, so early detectionand treatmentare important.
Less commonly, they develop after amiscarriage,ectopic pregnancy, or normal pregnancy.
After treatment, most noncancerous molar pregnancies are resolved.
They account for only 0.23% to 3.00% of GTDs.
Sometimes PSTTs are not detected until years after a full-term pregnancy.
Most often, PSTTs do not metastasize, but they can.
They are resistant tochemotherapy, sohysterectomy(surgery to remove the uterus) is a standard treatment.
These moles can take years to develop.
In a healthy pregnancy, an embryo develops from a set of maternal and paternal chromosomes.
You will be given an intravenous drug to induce contractions, which will aid in expelling the uterine contents.
It is normal to experience vaginal bleeding and cramping for up to a day following the procedure.
Complications can include bleeding and infection.
Hysterectomiescan be done abdominally, vaginally, and in some cases laparoscopically.
Abdominal surgery is more invasive and is done through an incision made in the abdomen.
In laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made for a camera and instruments.
Vaginal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through the vagina.
If your uterus is too large, vaginal hysterectomy is not an option.
Hysterectomy is done under general orregional anesthesiaand is performed by an OB-GYN.
Risks of the surgery include excessive bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs and tissue.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Chemotherapy is a cancer-fighting drug that is usually given intravenously.
There are many different chemotherapy drugs.
Which drug is best for you will depend on your specific circumstance and how advanced the cancer is.
Radiation treatment uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Having a radiation procedure feels very similar to having an X-ray done, although the duration is longer.
Side effects are similar to chemotherapy but may also include skin redness and blistering, and diarrhea.
Monitoring includes regular blood tests to check hormone levels.
After hormone levels are consistently normal, levels will be checked monthly for six to 12 months.
Pregnancy can make identifying recurrent GTD difficult.
Seek out support from family members, friends, and people in your community.
You may find that talking with a trained therapist helps as well.
Online support groups of people who have gone through something similar may be reassuring and affirming.
Remember, you are not alone.
A Word From Verywell
A molar pregnancy can be a frightening and emotional experience.
Its understandable if you feel fatigued by the ongoing monitoring.
Remember that weekly monitoring results in better outcomes.
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2019;13(1):204. doi:10.1186/s13256-019-2150-4
Cleveland Clinic.Molar pregnancy: Types, symptoms, causes & treatments.
Cavaliere A, Ermito S, Dinatale A, Pedata R.Management of molar pregnancy.Journal of Prenatal Medicine.
2009;3(1):15.
2018;97(48):e13439.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000013439
National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.Gestational trophoblastic disease treatment patient version.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Diagnosis & treatment of gestational trophoblastic disease.
