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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Hydatidiform mole |
| Definition: |
| A hydatiform mole is a rare mass or growth that may form inside the uterus at the beginning of a pregnancy. See also choriocarcinoma.
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| Alternative Names: |
| Hydatid mole; Molar pregnancy |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
A hydatiform mole occurs in very rare cases when an egg is fertilized (i.e., the beginning of pregnancy). A hydatiform mole results from over-production of the tissue that would normally develop into the placenta. (The placenta nourishes a fetus during pregnancy). These tissues instead develop into a mass. The mass is usually made up of placental material that grows uncontrolled. Often, there is no fetus at all. The cause is not completely understood. Potential causes may include defects in the egg, abnormalities within the uterus, or nutritional deficiencies. Women under 20 or over 40 years of age have a higher risk. Other risk factors include low socioeconomic status and diets low in protein, folic acid, and carotene. |
Reviewed By: Daniel Rein, M.D., Obstetrician and Gynecologist, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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