Hydatidiform mole

Hydatidiform mole is a gestational trophoblastic disease that arises from fetal rather than maternal tissue and can become metastatic. Most signs and symptoms occur late in the first trimester and are often confused with symptoms of a normal pregnancy and, thus, are often disregarded. The two most important diagnostic tools to detect this disease are the ultrasound and the quantitative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin assay. Treatment includes dilation and evacuation of the uterus and strict follow-up of quantitative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. It is also important that the patient be placed on a reliable form of birth control during her follow-up period.