Angeles University Foundation

Angeles City

“Hydatidiform Mole”

Submitted By:

Ano, Carl Elexer C.

BSN III- 1 GRP 1

Submitted To:

Rodalyn Morales RN

May 20, 2009

DEFINITION:
 A hydatidiform mole or molar pregnancy is
an abnormal form of pregnancy, characterized
by the presence of a hydatidiform mole (or
hydatid mole, mola hytadidosa) which is a rare
mass or growth that forms inside the uterus at
the beginning of a pregnancy. It is a type of gestational trophoblastic
disease (GTD). Molar pregnancy comprises two distinct entities, partial and
complete moles. Complete moles have no identifiable embryonic or fetal
tissues and arise when an empty egg with no
nucleus is fertilized by a normal sperm. In
contrast, a partial mole occurs when a normal
egg is fertilized by two spermatozoa.
Hydatidiform moles may develop into
choriocarcinoma, a form of cancer.

CAUSES:

A hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy, results from over-production

of the tissue that is supposed to develop into the placenta. The placenta
normally feeds a fetus during pregnancy. In this condition, the tissues
develop into an abnormal growth, called a mass.

There are two types:

• Partial molar pregnancy

• Complete molar pregnancy

A partial molar pregnancy means there is an abnormal placenta and some

fetal development.

In a complete molar pregnancy, there is an abnormal placenta but no fetus.

Both forms are due to problems during fertilization. Potential causes may
include defects in the egg, problems within the uterus, or a diet low in
protein, animal fat, and vitamin A. Women under age 16 or older than 40
have a higher risk for this condition. You also are more likely to have a
molar pregnancy if you have had one in the past.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Abnormal growth of the womb (uterus)

o Excessive growth in about half of cases
o Smaller-than-expected growth in about a third of cases
• Nausea and vomiting that may be severe enough to require a hospital
stay
• Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy during the first 3 months of pregnancy
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
o Heat intolerance
o Loose stools
o Rapid heart rate
o Restlessness, nervousness
o Skin warmer and more moist than usual
o Trembling hands
o Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms similar to preeclampsia that occur in the 1st trimester or
early 2nd trimester -- this is almost always a sign of a hydatidiform
mole, because preeclampsia is extremely rare this early in a normal
pregnancy
o High blood pressure
o Swelling in feet, ankles, legs
EXAMS AND TESTS:

A pelvic examination may show signs similar to a normal pregnancy, but the
size of the womb may be abnormal and the baby's heart sounds are absent.
There may be some vaginal bleeding.

A pregnancy ultrasound will show an abnormal placenta with or without

some development of a baby.

Tests may include:

• HCG blood test

o hCG under 5 mIU/ml: Negative. Not pregnant
o hCG between 5-25 mIU/ml: "Equivocal". Maybe pregnant
maybe not. Repeat test in a couple of days
o hCG over 25 mIU/ml: You are pregnant.
o Extremely high – possible Hydatidiform mole
• Chest x-ray
• CT or MRI of the abdomen

TREATMENT:

• Dilatation and curettage (D & C)

• Hysterectomy

_caloi_