Which of the following conditions is indicated by elevated Beta-hCG in a female patient without malignancy symptoms?

Which of the following conditions is indicated by elevated Beta-hCG in a female patient without malignancy symptoms?

• A. Trophoblastic tumor
• B. Germ cell tumor
• C. Hydatidiform mole
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Answer: (C)

Elevated beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in a female patient without symptoms of malignancy can indicate the presence of a hydatidiform mole, which is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease. A hydatidiform mole is characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue and can be complete (where there is no fetal tissue) or partial (where a non-viable fetus may be present along with the abnormal growth). In the case of a hydatidiform mole, the elevated beta-hCG results from the trophoblastic cells rapidly proliferating and producing this hormone. While other conditions like trophoblastic tumors and certain germ cell tumors can also cause elevated beta-hCG, these are generally associated with malignancy and would typically present with additional symptoms suggesting cancer, such as abnormal bleeding, weight loss, or other systemic signs. Hyperthyroidism can also elevate beta-hCG levels significantly due to its structural similarity to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but it would not be characterized by findings associated with abnormal placental tissue, which is specific to hydatidiform mole. Therefore, the presence of elevated beta-hCG in this scenario is most consistent with a hydatidiform mole.

Elevated beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in a female patient without symptoms of malignancy can indicate the presence of a hydatidiform mole, which is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease. A hydatidiform mole is characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue and can be complete (where there is no fetal tissue) or partial (where a non-viable fetus may be present along with the abnormal growth).

In the case of a hydatidiform mole, the elevated beta-hCG results from the trophoblastic cells rapidly proliferating and producing this hormone. While other conditions like trophoblastic tumors and certain germ cell tumors can also cause elevated beta-hCG, these are generally associated with malignancy and would typically present with additional symptoms suggesting cancer, such as abnormal bleeding, weight loss, or other systemic signs. Hyperthyroidism can also elevate beta-hCG levels significantly due to its structural similarity to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), but it would not be characterized by findings associated with abnormal placental tissue, which is specific to hydatidiform mole. Therefore, the presence of elevated beta-hCG in this scenario is most consistent with a hydatidiform mole.