Hydatidiform mole: a study of 90 cases

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hydatidiform mole (HM) is a gestational trophoblastic neoplasm.
• Understanding its incidence and complications is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence, epidemiology, complications, and management of hydatidiform mole (HM) at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• A 15-year retrospective study (May 1983-May 1998) analyzed 90 cases of HM.
• Data collected included maternal characteristics, clinical presentation, tumor behavior, management, and complications.

Main Results:

• The incidence of HM was 2.2 per 1000 deliveries.
• Vaginal bleeding (90%) was the most common symptom; uterine size discrepancies and ovarian enlargement were also noted.
• Complications included hemorrhage (21%) and sepsis (10%), more frequent in late-presenting patients. Invasive mole and choriocarcinoma occurred in 6.7% and 3.3% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of HM in this Saudi Arabian cohort is comparable to rates in some Eastern countries.
• Earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment of HM are recommended to decrease complication rates.