Vesicular Mole: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Vesicular mole or molar pregnancy is a rare type of gestational trophoblastic disease that occurs when the fertilized egg develops into a tumor instead of a normal pregnancy. It is essential to understand the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of vesicular mole to manage this condition effectively.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the vesicular mole, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Vesicular Mole?

A vesicular mole is a rare condition that occurs when an abnormally fertilized egg develops into a tumor instead of a normal pregnancy. In a vesicular mole, the placenta develops into a mass of cysts, which contain fluid and look like grape-like clusters.

Types of Vesicular Moles

There are two types of vesicular moles, including:

Complete Vesicular Mole

A complete vesicular mole occurs when the fertilized egg has no fetal tissue, and the placenta develops into a mass of cysts.

Partial Vesicular Mole

A partial vesicular mole occurs when the fertilized egg has some fetal tissue, but the placenta still develops into a mass of cysts.

Symptoms of Vesicular Mole

The symptoms of a vesicular mole may include:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anemia
• Elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Causes of Vesicular Mole

The exact cause of vesicular mole is unknown, but it is thought to occur due to genetic abnormalities that affect the fertilized egg.

Risk Factors of Vesicular Mole

The risk factors for vesicular mole include:

• Age (women over 35)
• Previous history of vesicular mole
• Blood group A or AB

Complications of Vesicular Mole

Invasive Mole

Invasive mole is a rare complication of vesicular mole that occurs when the abnormal placenta grows into the muscle layer of the uterus. This can lead to heavy bleeding and requires more aggressive treatment.

Choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma is another rare complication of vesicular mole that occurs when the abnormal placenta becomes cancerous. This requires chemotherapy treatment and close follow-up to monitor for recurrence.

Diagnosis of Vesicular Mole

To diagnose a vesicular mole, your doctor may perform the following tests:

• Ultrasound
• Blood tests
• Pelvic exam

Treatment of Vesicular Mole

The treatment of a vesicular mole depends on the severity of the condition. The options include:

• Dilation and curettage (D&C)
• Hysterectomy
• Chemotherapy

Complications of Vesicular Mole

If left untreated, a vesicular mole can lead to the following complications:

• Gestational trophoblastic disease
• Choriocarcinoma
• Uterine perforation
• Infection

Prevention of Vesicular Mole

There is no way to prevent vesicular moles. However, early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Outlook of Vesicular Mole

The outlook for a vesicular mole is generally good, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early. Most women who have had a vesicular mole can still conceive and have healthy pregnancies in the future.

Conclusion

Vesicular mole is a rare type of gestational trophoblastic disease that can cause vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and elevated levels of hCG. The exact cause of vesicular mole is unknown, but it is thought to occur due to genetic abnormalities that affect the fertilized egg.

If you experience symptoms of a vesicular mole, you must see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

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