Complications
Complications can arise after the removal of molar tissue from the uterus. In approximately 15-20 percent of complete molar pregnancies and five percent of partial molar pregnancies, there is a possibility that some tissue may remain and continue to grow. This condition is known as persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Managing persistent GTN may involve the use of chemotherapy to completely eliminate the molar tissue from the uterus. In rare cases, a hysterectomy may be necessary for the patient.
Diagnosis of Molar Pregnancy
Identifying a molar pregnancy typically requires the use of ultrasound technology. Initially, the ultrasound may be performed vaginally during the early stages of pregnancy. However, it is usually around weeks eight or nine that a molar pregnancy can be detected.
When examining a complete molar pregnancy, the ultrasound results may exhibit certain abnormalities: