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I have been diagnosed with an invasive mole (without metastasis) and am undergoing IV chemotherapy (Methotrexate and Dactinomycin). Is there a chance of recurrence? Why do I have to wait one year before I try to get pregnant? Can this type of chemo make it difficult to get pregnant later on?
William M. Rich, MD:
An invasive mole means that some of the molar tissue has grown into the wall of the uterus. The chemotherapy will be continued until the B-HCG level falls to normal. Then, it has to stay normal for one year. This is to make sure that it has been adequately treated.
Just because the B-HCG level is normal does not mean that all the molar tissue is gone. If only a few cells remain they will not make enough B-HCG to be measurable. The real test of cure is the one year of follow-up. If you get pregnant during this time, it will be impossible to interpret the HCG.
Depending on your age, your ovaries should function OK after the chemo. The older the ovaries, the fewer the eggs, and the more the effect of the chemotherapy.
You can read more about Gestational Trophoblastic Disease at www.gyncancer.com. William M. Rich, M.D.
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What are the chances of invasive mole recurring? How does treatment effect future pregnancy?