Molar pregnancy
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Deborah A. Penava BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Molar pregnancyA molar pregnancy is a mass of abnormal placental cell growth (hydatidiform mole) inside the uterus that triggers symptoms of pregnancy. A complete molar pregnancy is a tissue mass that can fill the uterus, while a partial molar pregnancy may include severely abnormal fetal tissue. Symptoms of pregnancy are often intensified in a molar pregnancy. Morning sickness may be severe, the uterus may grow at a faster-than-normal rate, and blood pressure may be unusually high. The cause of molar pregnancy is thought to be a genetic abnormality. Girls younger than 15 and women older than 40 are at highest risk. Women who have had a molar pregnancy in the past have a slightly increased risk of having another. All molar growth must be removed from the uterus to prevent cancerous cell growth. After the tissue is suctioned out through the cervix and vagina (vacuum aspiration), the uterus is scraped of any remaining abnormal cells (curettage). Chemotherapy is used when abnormal tissue is or may become cancerous (trophoblastic cancer). Current as of: February 11, 2020 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Deborah A. Penava BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
![]() |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |