Post-evacuation surveillance of molar pregnancy is done using
The question is asking what test is used for surveillance. The options aren't listed, but I know that hCG levels are key here. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone produced by the placenta, and in molar pregnancies, hCG levels are typically very high. After evacuation, these levels should drop rapidly. If they don't, it suggests residual disease. So, serial hCG measurements are the standard for monitoring.
Now, why would other options be incorrect? Let's think. Maybe options could include things like ultrasound, progesterone, or other hormones. Ultrasound is used initially to diagnose the molar pregnancy, but for surveillance post-evacuation, hCG is more specific. Progesterone isn't relevant here since it's not produced in significant amounts by the trophoblastic tissue. Other hormones like estrogen or maybe beta-hCG? Wait, beta-hCG is part of the hCG molecule. The total hCG is measured, not just the beta subunit. But sometimes tests might measure beta-hCG specifically. However, the standard is total hCG levels.
Clinical pearls: The key is that hCG monitoring is essential post-evacuation. If levels don't decline as expected, it's a red flag for persistent disease. Also, the duration of monitoring is usually until three normal menstrual cycles, or six months post-evacuation, whichever is longer. So the correct answer here is definitely hCG levels. The wrong options would be other tests that aren't used for surveillance. Let me structure the explanation accordingly, making sure each section is covered without exceeding the character limit.
**Core Concept**
Post-evacuation surveillance of molar pregnancy involves monitoring **human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)** levels. This is because molar pregnancies (complete or partial) produce excessive hCG, and its serial measurement helps detect residual disease or malignant transformation (e.g., choriocarcinoma).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
**hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)** is the tumor marker for gestational trophoblastic disease. After evacuation, hCG levels should decline rapidly; persistent or rising levels indicate incomplete evacuation, persistent molar tissue, or malignant progression. Weekly hCG testing continues until levels normalize, followed by monthly testing for 6 months to ensure no recurrence.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Ultrasound* is used for initial diagnosis but not surveillance. Residual tissue may not be detectable via imaging until hCG rises.
**Option B:** *Progesterone* levels are irrelevant; trophoblastic tumors do not produce progesterone in significant amounts.
**Option C:** *Estrogen* is not a biomarker for molar pregnancy surveillance.
**Option D:** *Inhibin A* is associated with ovarian tumors, not molar