©PregnancyBliss 2008-
Trophoblastic Disease (Molar pregnancy)
Trophoblastic disease is a group of conditions that occur almost exclusively in pregnancy. They range from the benign but potentially malignant hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy) to the frankly malignant choriocarcinoma.
Hydatidform mole (molar pregnancy) is a condition where, following conception, the
baby (embryo) does not form. Instead, placental (trophoblastic) tissue consisting
only of vesicles (small fluid-filled sacs) develops.
The "pregnant" woman will have normal pregnancy symptoms and body changes. In fact, in some cases, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may be quite pronounced and may be the first warning of something amiss.
It is important to be clear from the outset that molar pregnancy is not a malignant condition. It appears in this section for reasons explained below.
Hydatidform: Explaining the name
Hydatidiform mole is, well, a mouthful. It comes from the Greek word hydatis (water drop) and a Latin word mola (mass). It is a descriptive term since a typical molar pregnancy looks like a bunch of grapes or a mass of water drops.
A ‘partial’ mole
There are two broad groups of molar pregnancy. Complete and Partial.
The description above refers to a ‘complete’ mole which is the commonest form. The other variety is what is known as a ‘partial’ mole.
With ‘Partial’ mole, there is evidence of embryo development but the embryo dies
early. The placental tissue then undergoes the changes described above leading inevitably
to a miscarriage. It is exceedingly rare for malignant transformation to follow a
partial mole. A persistent or invasive (non-
Symptoms of molar pregnancy
There may be exaggerated pregnancy symptoms. This does not happen in every case. More commonly, the woman will have light vaginal bleeding or a brownish discharge.
More than half of patients with molar pregnancy are found to have a uterus which feels bigger than the apparent gestation of the pregnancy. A significant proportion, however, will have the uterus feeling smaller than the gestation.
The diagnosis will be confirmed by an ultrasound scan which shows a characteristic image. Very occasionally the patient will pass some vesicles.
Following the diagnosis of molar pregnancy
The uterus will be emptied of its contents, usually by suction curettage under a general anesthetic.
Occasionally, severe bleeding complicates the procedure and blood transfusion may be necessary.