According to reports, Wright's initial misdiagnosis followed a molar pregnancy that wasn't picked up and subsequently developed into a deadly tumour.
A molar pregnancy occurs when the foetus doesn't develop properly and the placenta proliferates, forming a tumour of placental cells.
The tumour can produce pregnancy hormones which creates the effect of a viable pregnancy. It is extremely rare that a tumour would develop into cancer.
Oxford Online Pharmacy GP Dr Helen Webberley told Huffington Post UK, close monitoring of the condition can prevent complications.
"Initially, a molar pregnancy acts in the same way as a conventional pregnancy, tests are positive due to the release of the hCG hormone and there is a growth in the uterus. It is only when the patient comes for their 12-week scan that a molar pregnancy is detected.
Webberley explained that most women can expect a full recovery once the cells are removed.
"However, close follow-up is needed because there is a small chance of developing a type of cancer, as appears to be the case with this patient.
"If a cancer does develop, effective treatment is available and most women can be cured."
Wright's boyfriend, Mitch Gregory, and her family, want her remembered as a strong, positive person.
Gregory told the Daily Gazette he feels "robbed" and wants to stress her courage. "She's our inspiration now."
Her father also spoke of her positive attitude. "When we found out the cancer was terminal, she lifted herself up, she patted the bed and said, 'Dad, come and sit here'. She gave me a big hug and said: 'It's going to be okay',"
His daughter died the next day.
A fundraising page has been set up in her memory with funds raised to go to Cancer Research UK.
- nzherald.co.nz
