Overview
Hydatidiform moles, also known as molar pregnancies, are abnormal growths that occur in the tissue surrounding a
fertilised egg in the uterus.
They result from an abnormal fertilisation process and can be classified as complete or partial moles.
Complete moles contain no normal foetal tissue, while partial moles involve some normal tissue along with abnormal
growth.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of hydatidiform moles include:
- Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester
- Rapidly enlarging uterus
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Pelvic pressure or discomfort
Some cases may present with symptoms of preeclampsia, at an earlier stage than usual.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves an ultrasound, which may show characteristic ‘grape-like’ clusters of cysts or an
enlarged
uterus. Blood tests and a histological examination (tissues and cells) can also confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Evacuation: Surgical removal of the molar tissue through suction curettage is the primary treatment
- Monitoring: After evacuation, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are closely monitored to ensure all
molar
tissue has been removed and to check for potential complications
In rare cases, where there is persistent gestational trophoblastic disease, chemotherapy may be necessary.
