Molar pregnancies

Molar pregnancies (MPs; hydatidiform moles) are chromosomally abnormal pregnancies that have the potential to become malignant.

Higher possibility of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) for women less than 20 years of age or over 35 years of age, and in those who have experienced GTD in a previous pregnancy.

Most common presenting symptom is vaginal bleeding.

Suction dilation and evacuation (D&E) or hysterectomy are the preferred treatments.

The risk of postmolar neoplasm is almost 20% for those with complete molar pregnancy.

Rate of cure for postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia exceeds 95%, often with preservation of fertility.

Hydatidiform moles are chromosomally abnormal pregnancies that have the potential to become malignant (gestational trophoblastic neoplasia). Gestational trophoblastic disease includes tumors of fetal tissues, including hydatidiform moles, arising from placental trophoblasts. Syncytiotrophoblasts secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and, therefore, this hormonal product is used as a tumor marker for the disease.