Hydatidiform mole (patient information)

A hydatidiform mole is a rare mass or growth that forms inside the uterus at the beginning of a pregnancy. It is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

• Abnormal growth of the womb (uterus):

• Excessive growth in about half of cases
• Smaller-than-expected growth in about a third of cases

• Nausea and vomiting that may be severe enough to require a hospital stay
• Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy during the first 3 months of pregnancy
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Heat intolerance
• Loose stools
• Rapid heart rate
• Restlessness, nervousness
• Skin warmer and more moist than usual
• Trembling hands
• Unexplained weight loss

• Symptoms similar to preeclampsia that occur in the 1st trimester or early 2nd trimester. This is almost always a sign of a hydatidiform mole, because preeclampsia is extremely rare this early in a normal pregnancy

• High blood pressure
• Swelling in feet, ankles, legs

• A hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy, results from over-production of the tissue that is supposed to develop into the placenta. The placenta normally feeds a fetus during pregnancy. In this condition, the tissues develop into an abnormal growth, called a mass.

• There are two types:

• Partial molar pregnancy: A partial molar pregnancy means there is an abnormal placenta and some fetal development.

• Complete molar pregnancy: In a complete molar pregnancy, there is an abnormal placenta but no fetus.

• Both forms are due to problems during fertilization. The exact cause of fertilization problems are unknown. However, a diet low in protein, animal fat, and vitamin A may play a role.

• A pelvic examination may show signs similar to a normal pregnancy, but the size of the womb may be abnormal and the baby’s heart sounds are absent. There may be some vaginal bleeding.

• A pregnancy ultrasound will show an abnormal placenta with or without some development of a baby.

• Tests may include:

• HCG blood test
• Chest x-ray
• CT or MRI of the abdomen
• Complete blood count
• Blood clotting tests
• Kidney and liver function tests

• If your doctor suspects a molar pregnancy, a suction curettage (D and C) may be performed.

• A hysterectomy may be an option for older women who do not wish to become pregnant in the future.

• After treatment, serum HCG levels will be followed.

• It is important to avoid pregnancy and to use a reliable contraceptive hcg diet drops for 6 – 12 months after treatment for a molar pregnancy. This allows for accurate testing to be sure that the abnormal tissue does not return. Women who get pregnant too soon after a molar pregnancy have a greater risk of having another one.

Directions to Hospitals Treating Hydatidiform mole

• More than 80% of hydatidiform moles are benign (noncancerous). The outcome after treatment is usually excellent.

• Close follow-up is essential. After treatment, you should use very effective contraception for at least 6 to 12 months to avoid pregnancy.

• In some cases, hydatidiform moles may develop into invasive moles. These moles may grow so far into the uterine wall and cause bleeding or other complications.

• In a few cases, a hydatidiform mole may develop into a choriocarcinoma, a fast-growing cancerous form of gestational trophoblastic disease.

• Lung problems may occur after a D and C if the woman’s uterus is bigger than 16 weeks gestational size.

• Other complications related to the surgery to remove a molar pregnancy include:

• Preeclampsia
• Thyroid problems

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000909.htm

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