Clinical presentation and management of molar pregnancy

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2003 Dec;17(6):885-92. doi: 10.1016/s1521-6934(03)00072-5.

Abstract

We can now detect molar pregnancy at a much earlier gestational age than before by using high resolution vaginal ultrasonography. As a result, the current clinical presentation of complete hydatidiform moles has clearly changed compared to that of the classic type of mole. The diagnosis of molar pregnancy is nearly always made by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography does not, however, always lead to diagnosis in the very early stages of gestation, before the chorionic villi have attained the characteristic vesicular pattern. Therefore, a histopathological examination of the products of conception should be required in all such cases. Hydatidiform moles should be treated by evacuating the uterus surgically as soon as possible after diagnosis. The patients must be followed up until their serial weekly serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) titre has fallen to an undetectable level.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Hydatidiform Mole / diagnosis*
  • Hydatidiform Mole / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydatidiform Mole / surgery
  • Postoperative Care / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Neoplasms / surgery
  • Uterus / surgery

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin