Etymed
hydatidiform mole
Definition
A benign trophoblastic tumor characterized by the presence of hydropic villi and abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic cells, resembling a bunch of grapes
Clinical context
A 35-year-old woman presents with vaginal bleeding and severe nausea at 12 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound reveals a characteristic 'snowstorm' appearance with no fetal heart tones, and her beta-hCG levels are dramatically elevated. The diagnosis of hydatidiform mole is confirmed by the presence of hydropic villi on histopathology.
Mnemonic
Look for the grapes - hydatidiform mole looks like a bunch of grapes on ultrasound