Molar pregnancies can be subdivided into complete (CM) and partial moles (PM) based on genetic and histopathological features. Complete moles are diploid and androgenic in origin, with no evidence of fetal tissue. Complete moles usually (75–80%) arise as a consequence of duplication of a single sperm following fertilisation of an ‘empty’ ovum. Some complete moles (20–25%) can arise after disper...

Masaharu Fukunaga, M.D. Department of Pathology, the Jikei University Daisan Hospital, Tokyo, Japan Hydatidiform moles With the increased use of ultrasound hydatidiform mole (HM) is being diagnosed at increasingly early stages of gestation. As villous edema is not fully developed, we cannot make a diagnosis of HM by macroscopic observation. Furthermore, microscopically the classic features of c...

Gestational trophoblastic disease is a spectrum of placental disorders ranging from benign molar pregnancies to the neoplastic conditions such as invasive mole and choriocarcinoma. These patients are identified early due to markedly elevated hCG levels and characteristic ultrasound findings. Uterine evacuation is the recommended treatment, while chemotherapy can be reserved for patients with re...