Hydatidiform mole (patient information)

Jump to navigation Jump to search

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Hydatidiform mole

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Diagnosis

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Hydatidiform mole?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Hydatidiform mole On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Hydatidiform mole

Videos on Hydatidiform mole

FDA on Hydatidiform mole

CDC on Hydatidiform mole

Hydatidiform mole in the news

Blogs on Hydatidiform mole

Directions to Hospitals Treating Hydatidiform mole

Risk calculators and risk factors for Hydatidiform mole

Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

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
  • 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

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:

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.
  • It is important to avoid pregnancy and to use a reliable contraceptive 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.

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:

Source

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

Template:WH Template:WS