Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)

About 90% of women that have a “mole” removed require no further treatment; however very careful follow-up procedures are needed with weekly then fortnightly blood tests required for about 6 months to 1 year after the mole is removed.  These tests specifically record the levels of b-HCG hormone in the system.  

If microscopic traces of the mole remain in the uterus (which is normal), then they can occasionally begin to grow again as before and also pose a cancerous-type threat to the lungs, liver, kidneys, spine and intestines of the mother.  Any further growth of the mole will result in rising levels of b-HCG and can alert your doctor to a problem.  This growth is called Gestational Trophoblastic Disease or 'GTD' for short.

After the Operation

The normal pattern is that after the operation, the b-HCG levels will fall off steadily over the course of about 3 to 4 weeks, and then more slowly until your next natural menstrual cycle occurs when they should fall again to fairly low levels.  The doctor will be looking for a reading of zero (below 3 is often presumed to be zero) for at least three months in a row before he/she should be satisfied that the mole is completely eradicated and that a new pregnancy can be attempted.

After the operation, you may be required to take a full abdominal and chest x-ray to ensure that there is no infestation (metastasis) to the spine, lungs or other vital organs.  Very rarely chemotherapy may be needed to remove the remains of the molar pregnancy if it persists as a carcinoma. In very extreme cases an hysterectomy may be needed.

After a molar pregnancy, your doctor will normally advise you to wait 6 months to 1 year before trying to become pregnant again. It is safe to use birth control pills during this time.

The chances of having a second molar pregnancy are only about 1%.

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Silent Cradle : Helping & Understanding in Time of Pregnancy Loss

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Introduction

Miscarriage - Causes

Miscarriage - Symptoms

Ectopic Pregnancy - Description

Ectopic Pregnancy - Diagnosis & Treatment

Molar Pregnancy - Description

Molar Pregnancy - Symptoms & Diagnosis

Molar Pregnancy - Treatment

The Dilation & Curettage Procedure

Handling The Loss

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