A hydatidiform mole, also known as a molar pregnancy, is a rare complication of pregnancy characterized by abnormal growth of trophoblasts, the cells that normally develop into the placenta. There are two types of hydatidiform moles: complete and partial.
1. **Complete Hydatidiform Mole**:
- No normal fetal tissue is present.
- The placenta develops into a mass of cysts (looks like a bunch of grapes).
- Usually caused by fertilization of an egg with no genetic material by a sperm, which then duplicates its own chromosomes.
2. **Partial Hydatidiform Mole**:
- Some normal fetal tissue may be present along with the abnormal placental tissue.
- Typically results from fertilization of a normal egg by two sperms or one sperm with duplicated chromosomes, leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes (triploidy).
### Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding
- Rapid uterine growth larger than expected for gestational age
- Severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum)
- High blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia early in pregnancy
- Elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
### Diagnosis
- Ultrasound imaging showing a characteristic "snowstorm" pattern without a viable fetus in complete moles.
- Blood tests revealing abnormally high levels of hCG.
- Histological examination of tissue after a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.
### Treatment
- Surgical removal of the molar tissue through dilation and curettage (D&C).
- Follow-up monitoring of hCG levels to ensure all molar tissue has been removed and to check for potential malignancy.
- In rare cases, chemotherapy may be needed if there is persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).
### Prognosis
- Most women recover fully after treatment.
- Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor for any recurrence or complications.
- Future pregnancies are usually normal, although there is a slightly increased risk of another molar pregnancy.