How is a molar pregnancy treated?
A molar pregnancy is a frightening experience. Not only does the woman lose a pregnancy, she learns that she has a slight risk of developing cancer. To protect the woman, all molar tissue must be removed from the uterus. This usually is done with a D&C. Occasionally, when the mole is extensive and the woman has decided against future pregnancies, a woman may have a hysterectomy. After mole removal, the provider again measures the level of hCG. If it has dropped to zero, the woman generally needs no additional treatment. However, the provider continues to monitor hCG levels for 6 months to 1 year to be sure there is no remaining molar tissue (4). A woman who has had a molar pregnancy should not become pregnant again for 6 months to 1 year, because a pregnancy would make it difficult to monitor hCG levels (4). back to top How often do moles become cancerous? After the uterus is emptied, about 20 percent of complete moles and less than 5 percent of partial moles persist. The remaining abn
