Hydatidiform Mole

Hydatidiform Mole (pronounced: hi-dat-id-i-form mole), also known as molar pregnancy, is a rare complication of pregnancy characterized by the abnormal growth of trophoblasts, the cells that normally develop into the placenta.

Etymology

The term "Hydatidiform" is derived from the Greek words "hydatis" meaning "water" and "forma" meaning "shape". This refers to the appearance of the mole which resembles a bunch of grapes filled with water. "Mole" in this context is derived from the Latin "mola" meaning "millstone", referring to the heavy, solid nature of the growth.

Definition

A Hydatidiform Mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease that occurs when the fertilization of an egg by a sperm results in an abnormal pregnancy. There are two types of Hydatidiform Moles: complete hydatidiform mole and partial hydatidiform mole. In a complete mole, there's no normal fetal tissue and in a partial mole, there's an abnormal fetus and possibly normal placental tissue.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a Hydatidiform Mole may include vaginal bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting, and rapid enlargement of the uterus. In some cases, it may lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, hyperthyroidism, or choriocarcinoma, a type of cancer.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a Hydatidiform Mole is usually made through a combination of ultrasound imaging, hCG levels, and histopathology of the evacuated uterine contents.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves the removal of the mole through a procedure called dilation and curettage. Follow-up is necessary to ensure that all molar tissue has been removed and to monitor for the potential development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Hydatidiform Mole
Wikipedia's article - Hydatidiform Mole

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Hydatidiform Mole