Histopathological diagnosis of hydatidiform mole

Two microscopical methods are described which are useful for the identification of hydatidiform molar trophoblast. The first is an application of Nomarski's differential interference contrast microscopy which allows whole-mounted villi to be studied by optical sectioning. The second is an application of indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using a specific antiserum directed against the endothelial cell structural protein-known as vimentin.