Hydatidiform mole

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Uterus

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Hydatidiform mole

Alternative Names:

Hydatid mole; Molar pregnancy

Treatment:

If a miscarriage does not occur and the diagnosis is confirmed, a therapeutic abortion is performed by suction curettage (D and C).

Following either case, serum HCG levels are monitored to assure they return to a normal, non-pregnant level. A hysterectomy may be an option for older women who do not desire future pregnancies.

Expectations (prognosis):

More than 80% of hydatidiform moles are benign (non-cancerous). The outcome after treatment is usually excellent. Close follow-up is essential. Highly effective means of contraception are recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least 6-12 months.

In 10-15% of cases, hydatidiform moles may develop into invasive moles. These may intrude so far into the uterine wall that hemorrhage or other complications develop.

In 2-3% of cases, hydatidiform moles may develop into choriocarcinoma, which is a malignant, rapidly growing, and metastatic (spreading) form of cancer. Despite these factors, which normally indicate a poor prognosis, the rate of cure after treatment with chemotherapy is high.

Over 90% of women with malignant, non-spreading cancer are able to survive and retain their ability to have children. In those with metastatic (spreading) cancer, remission remains at 75-85%, although the ability to have children is usually lost.

Complications:

Lung insufficiency may develop after evacuation of the uterus in cases where the uterus enlarges to greater than 16 weeks gestational size.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your obstetrician if you suspect a hydatidiform mole.

If you have symptoms suggestive of preeclampsia -- such as severe swelling in the legs and feet, abdominal pain and high blood pressure -- see your health care provider immediately, call 911, or get to the emergency room. This can rapidly become a life-threatening emergency.

Review Date: 10/25/2004
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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