Histopathological and clinical features of molar pregnancy

Objective: To analyse own set of molar pregnancies and to develop clinically relevant procedures.

Type of study: Review article with analysis of own data.

Settings: Department of Pathology 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Prague; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Prague.

Introduction: The study monitors the decrease of laboratory values of beta-subunit of hCG gonadotropin (beta-hCG) after evacuation of partial and complete hydatidiform moles in a set of 45 partial and 46 complete moles. Two case reports of invasive moles.

Results: In cases of partial hydatidiform moles there was complete regression of beta-hCG in all cases, 89% regressed in six weeks, none of the women showed no subsequent elevation after reaching negativity. In cases of complete hydatidiform moles the decrease was less gradual, the negativity after six weeks was confirmed in 78%, three complete moles became malignant.

Conclusion: The decrease of beta-hCG after molar pregnancy termination is variable. Even if in cases of complete hydatidiform moles the risk of malignization after reaching negativity is low, beta-hCG checks are recommended at monthly intervals for 6 months. Correct diagnosis of complete mole and its differentiation from partial mole can be achieved using immunohistochemistry - p57 antibody.