Cancers of Pregnancy

Hydatidiform mole, Invasive Mole,Choriocarcinoma, or molar pregnancy

This occurs when cancer affects the tissues that would otherwise form in pregnancy. This is not a viable pregnancy, but an abnormal one, because a fetus does not develop.

Excessive nausea and vomiting Uterine bleeding Grapelike clusters passing through the vagina

Examination: Uterus is larger than expected for period of the pregnancy Enlarged cystic ovaries High Blood Pressure may occur Symptoms of high thyroid may occur (Palpitations, nervousness, sweating, weight loss) Laboratories Serum Beta-hCG (hormone produced during pregnancy called Human chorionic gonadotropin) above 40,000 mIU/mL Urine hCG above 100,000 units/24 hours Imaging Ultrasound Chest X-Ray to check for lung metastasis

Age below 18 Age greater than 40

Suction removal of the Hydatidiform Mole Birth control after mole removal, followed by tests of the Beta-hCG levels Another pregnancy should not be attempted until hCG levels are negative for one year. Beta-blocker medications if Hyperthyroidismoccurs If cancer is present after the Mole removal:  - Chemotherapy Methotrexate for less aggressive cancer Multi-drug regimen for more aggressive cancer

Normal pregnancy Multiple birth pregnancy

General Information - This needs to be diagnosed promptly by your obstetrician. Also, many of the signs and symptoms can also be seen in a normal pregnancy, so the obstetrician needs to make the diagnosis.

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