Hydatiform mole is a benign neoplasm of the chorion in which the chorionic villi degenerate and become

transparent vesicles containing clear, viscid fluid. Hydatiform mole is classified as complete or partial,
distinguished by differences in clinical presentation, pathology, genetics, and epidemiology ( Garner et al.,
2007). The complete mole contains no fetal tissue and develops from an “empty egg,” which is fertilized
by a normal sperm( the paternal chromosomes replicate, resulting in 46 all-paternal chromosomes). The
embryo is not viable and dies. No circulation is established, and no embryonic tissue is found. The
complete mole is associated with the development of chriocarcinoma. The partial mole has a triploid
karyotype (69 chromosomes) , because two sperm have provided a double contribution by fertilizing the
ovum.

The exact cause of molar pregnancy is unknown, but researchers are looking into a genetic basis. Studies
have revealed some remarkable features about molar pregnancies, including:
 Ability to invade into the wall of the uterus
 Tendency to recur in subsequent pregnancies
 Possible development into choriocarcinoma, a virulent cancer with metastatis to other organ
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