Question

A woman who has gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole) should continue to receive follow-up medical care after initial treatment because:

1. choriocarcinoma sometimes occurs after intial treatment.
2. she has lower levels of immune factors and is vulnerable to infection.
3. anemia complications most cases of hydatidiform mole.
4. permanent elevation of her blood pressure is more likely.

Answer 1

Option A. Post-treatment follow-up for a woman with gestational trophoblastic disease is essential primarily to monitor for signs of choriocarcinoma, a malignant potential outcome of the disease. Monitoring hCG levels is a crucial aspect of this follow-up care.

Step-by-step explanation:

A woman who has gestational trophoblastic disease (hydatidiform mole) should continue to receive follow-up medical care after initial treatment because choriocarcinoma sometimes occurs after initial treatment. Gestational trophoblastic disease involves abnormal growth of cells inside the uterus following conception and can lead to an increase in the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Although other health issues like infections or anemia could arise during any pregnancy, the specific concern post-treatment of a hydatidiform mole is the potential for the malignant form of the disease, choriocarcinoma, to develop. After successful treatment, which could be surgical or chemotherapy, the levels of hCG typically fall in the bloodstream. Continued monitoring of hCG levels is vital as a rise could indicate a recurrence of the disease.