Can a hydatidiform mole turn into cancer?

Molar pregnancy has the risk of turning into cancer, but not all molar pregnancy will turn into cancer. Timely treatment and regular follow-up are the key to preventing malignant transformation. Molar pregnancy is a pregnancy-related disease, which is divided into complete molar pregnancy and partial molar pregnancy. Complete molar pregnancy has a higher risk of malignant transformation.

1. The risk of malignant transformation of hydatidiform mole is related to its type. The malignant transformation rate of complete hydatidiform mole is about 15%-20%, while the malignant transformation rate of partial hydatidiform mole is lower, usually less than 5%. After malignant transformation, it may develop into gestational trophoblastic tumor, such as invasive hydatidiform mole or choriocarcinoma. High-risk factors for malignant transformation include age over 40 years, continued increase in hCG level after hydatidiform mole removal, abnormal enlargement of uterus, etc.

2. The diagnosis of hydatidiform mole mainly relies on ultrasound examination and serum hCG level measurement. Ultrasound can show that the uterus is full of vesicular structures, and the hCG level is significantly higher than that of normal pregnancy. After the diagnosis is confirmed, a uterine curettage should be performed immediately to remove the abnormal tissue. The operation should be performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure complete removal, and the hCG level should be monitored regularly after the operation.

3. Measures to prevent malignant transformation of hydatidiform mole include standardized treatment and regular follow-up. Monitor hCG levels weekly after curettage until they are normal for 3 consecutive times, and then monitor them once a month for 6 months. If hCG levels decrease slowly or increase, further examination is required to exclude malignant transformation. For high-risk patients, preventive chemotherapy can be considered, and commonly used drugs include methotrexate and actinomycin D.

4. The treatment of malignant transformation of hydatidiform mole is mainly chemotherapy, combined with surgery when necessary. Chemotherapy regimens include single-drug chemotherapy and combined chemotherapy. Commonly used drugs are methotrexate, actinomycin D and etoposide. For drug-resistant or recurrent cases, multi-drug chemotherapy or targeted therapy can be used. Surgical treatment is mainly used for the removal of local lesions, such as hysterectomy.

Patients with hydatidiform mole should pay attention to early diagnosis and standardized treatment, regularly follow up and monitor hCG levels, promptly detect and treat malignant tendencies, and use comprehensive treatment methods to reduce the risk of malignancy and improve the cure rate.