Hydatidiform mole (patient information)

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Overview
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).

What are the symptoms of Hydatidiform mole?

 * 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

What causes Hydatidiform mole

 * 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.

Diagnosis

 * 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

Treatment options

 * 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.

Where to find medical care for Hydatidiform mole?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hydatidiform mole

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

 * 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.

Possible complications

 * 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

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