invasive mole

A hydatidiform mole is an abnormal pregnancy where placental villi transform into fluid-filled sacs. This condition, often described as a "temporary missed abortion of a blighted ovum," occurs when the embryo is absent or deceased, and the trophoblast (outer layer of cells) continues to grow abnormally, leading to swelling of the villi.1

While most hydatidiform moles are expelled naturally around the 20th week of pregnancy, some can invade the uterine muscle, causing bleeding. In rare cases, these invasive moles can perforate the uterus or spread to other organs, leading to severe hemorrhage or death. Approximately 2.5% of hydatidiform moles can develop into choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor of the trophoblast. Patients are closely monitored for continued bleeding or rising levels of specific hormones after a mole is passed, which may indicate an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma requiring further treatment.1