Hydatidiform Mole
Hydatidiform mole is a type of abnormal pregnancy that occurs due to a genetic anomaly in the fertilized egg. It is also known as molar pregnancy, and it affects only women. Women who are pregnant for the first time, or women who are older than 35 years old, are at a higher risk of developing a hydatidiform mole. In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants in the uterus and grows into an embryo. In a hydatidiform mole, the fertilized egg develops into a mass of abnormal cells without forming an embryo. The resulting growth contains fluid-filled sacs called hydatid cysts hence the term hydatidiform. Symptoms of hydatidiform mole include vaginal bleeding, rapid enlargement of the uterus, and early onset of pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness. Women with a hydatidiform mole may also experience high blood pressure or develop symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. The treatment for a hydatidiform mole is usually a dilation and curettage, which is a surgical procedure to remove the growth from the uterus. Following the surgery, the woman must continue to be carefully monitored for signs of disease. Some women may require chemotherapy if the mole was aggressive or if cancerous cells were detected. In conclusion, hydatidiform mole is a relatively rare but serious complication of pregnancy that requires prompt medical attention. Women who experience unusual symptoms during pregnancy, such as bleeding or rapid growth of their uterus, should immediately contact their doctor.
← Journal of Women's Reproductive Health