Gestational trophoblastic disease
Developmental anomaly of the placenta that converts the chorionic villi into a mass of clear vesicles; molar pregnancy
Two types of moles
Complete: neither an embryo nor an amniotic sac exists
Partial: embryo (usually with multiple abnormalities) and amniotic sac exist (see Comparing complete and partial moles)
Major cause of second trimester bleeding
Early detection necessary due to an association with choriocarcinoma, a fast-growing, highly invasive malignancy
Causes
Exact cause unknown
May be associated with poor maternal nutrition, specifically an insufficient intake of protein and folic acid, a defective ovum, chromosomal abnormalities, or hormonal imbalances
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