Living with Hydatidiform mole
A condition of the placenta in early pregnancy, in which women have repeat abnormal pregnancies called moles.
Understanding Hydatidiform mole
A mole is a mass early in pregnancy made of cells from an abnormally developed embryo and placenta. The first sign is often vaginal bleeding in the first trimester. Ultrasound may show many small sacs, like a bunch of grapes. A mole must be removed by surgery, typically by the end of the first trimester. After removal, there is up to a 20 percent chance that leftover tissue grows into a tumor that needs follow-up.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy
- Enlarged uterus
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
- Heavy, irregular periods (menometrorrhagia)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists, gynecologic cancer specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and women’s reproductive health specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Gynecologic cancer specialists (gynecologic oncologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Women’s reproductive health specialists (obstetricians / gynecologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD lists autosomal recessive inheritance for the recurrent form. It doesn't name a gene.
Also known as: hydatid mole; hydatidiform mole, recurrent; hydatidiform moles; molar pregnancy
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyGynecological tumors · United States
- SHARE: Cancer SupportGynecological tumors · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Hydatidiform mole.
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