Q: Which doctor should I consult to rule out a molar pregnancy?
A: You should consult an obstetrician.
Q: Is molar pregnancy a miscarriage?
A: Since the loss of pregnancy occurs in the first trimester, it may be considered a miscarriage although there is no fetus in a complete mole.
Q: Can a molar pregnancy become malignant?
A: The abnormal tissue in a molar pregnancy is usually removed surgically. Following this, in around 10 to 15 percent of women, some molar tissue may remain in the womb or other parts of the body which will be detected during follow-up. This condition is called a persistent gestational tumor/disease. These women should receive chemotherapy to eliminate the abnormal cells.
Q: Is there a baby in a molar pregnancy?
A: There is no fetus in a complete mole, but a partial mole may contain a fetus which cannot survive due to the abnormal number of chromosomes (69).
Q: Which type of mole is more dangerous?
A: Complete mole is considered more serious than a partial mole although it is more easily diagnosed.
Q: What is the nature of follow up in a molar pregnancy?
A: Following the evacuation of the products of conception, serum hCG measurements will be monitored. For partial mole, followup will cease once hCG levels have returned to and remain normal for three weeks. In a complete mole, monthly measurements for a further period of six months will continue.
Q: What happens if the hCG levels remain elevated?
A: Further investigations, e.g., ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI scans, will be needed to confirm the diagnosis of cancer and see the extent of disease. If present chemotherapy is given and in almost all cases treatment is successful.
Q: Can I have a normal pregnancy following a molar pregnancy or treatment for choriocarcinoma?
A: Yes. Normal pregnancies can occur following molar pregnancy or treatment for cancerous mole. Also, chemotherapy will not affect the baby during future pregnancies.
Q: Will I die from cancer following molar pregnancy?
A: Most certainly not. Women do not die due to molar pregnancy nowadays or invasive mole and only very, very rarely from choriocarcinoma.
Q: When can I become pregnant once again?
A: It is recommended to avoid becoming pregnant while you are being followed up. It is difficult to determine if the hCG levels are rising due to pregnancy or re-growth of the molar tissue.
Q: Will I have another molar pregnancy?
A: Unlikely. The chances of a normal pregnancy following a molar pregnancy are much higher than a recurrent molar pregnancy (less than 2 percent).
