Diagnosing A Molar Pregnancy

Several problems can arise during pregnancy that make it necessary to take immediate action. One of these complications, although rare, is a molar pregnancy. Below we explain this condition and the techniques they use to diagnose and treat it.

What is a molar pregnancy?

A molar pregnancy is a term that refers to Gestational Trophoblastic Disease or GTD. It is an abnormal distribution of the tissue that makes up the trophoblast (one of the cell layers involved in the formation of the embryo). There are different categories of molar pregnancies depending on the nature of the problem.

On the one hand, there may be a benign tissue disease. In this case, there is no risk of developing a cancerous pathology. This can be a partial or complete benign pregnancy disease.

On the other hand, there can also be a series of diseases associated with molar pregnancy known as Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. This group includes malignant or invasive hydatidiform moles, choriocarcinomas, and epithelial tumors have been highlighted, all of which affect the tissue.

The signs and symptoms

It is important to know that this can go unnoticed during the first few weeks of pregnancy. However, as the pregnancy progresses, a series of clinical manifestations will appear that will help make the diagnosis:

• Metrorrhagia: Vaginal bleeding occurs in almost all women with a molar pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the trophoblastic tissue has a high invasive capacity and is located between the cell layers. It collects blood, because it cannot be drained properly. When the volume of blood exceeds the capacity of the cavity, sudden blood loss occurs.
• Toxemia: This is a common sign in patients. However, there may be instances where it does not appear. Toxemia consists of pregnancy-related hypertension and is a serious condition that needs medical attention to prevent problems.

• Abnormal fundal height: The depth of the uterus grows about four centimeters each month of pregnancy. In the past, doctors used this depth to estimate gestational age. Today, this technique is no longer used thanks to the advent of ultrasound. Anyway, a fundamental height that is above normal is a sign often associated with a molar pregnancy.
• Hormonal changes: Several analytical checks are performed during pregnancy to ensure that all levels are correct. When there is a spread of the trophoblastic tissue, the levels of hormones change due to a cell layer with endocrine properties.

Diagnosis of a molar pregnancy

First , there must be a clinical suspicion. The hormonal changes in the blood analysis are an important test for a molar pregnancy. However, this does not mean that there is a problem. It can also be a sign of other complications. This is especially true if the patient is an elderly woman who is becoming a mother for the first time or if there are genetic changes.

Without a doubt, the best technique for diagnosing a molar pregnancy is an ultrasound. Thanks to the use of ultrasounds, we can directly visualize the amniotic sac and cysts, which often appear next to the amniotic sac. Doctors can also take samples for analysis if suspected.

If neoplastic disease is suspected at the time of diagnosis, it is also necessary to perform an imaging test, such as a CT scan or X-ray, separately from an ultrasound.

It is essential to perform a complete removal of the cysts to avoid future complications, especially in the case of metastasis. Then it is essential to start surgical treatment and chemotherapy.

If the patient does not plan to have more children or the risk of complications is very high, they will opt for a more aggressive treatment. However, as always in medicine, in young patients it is best to always opt for a more conservative treatment.

Ultimately , there are many diagnoses and treatments for a molar pregnancy. However, the analytical study and imaging techniques help establish the prognosis.