Hydatidiform mole
Published on 07 February 2024
The hydatidiform mole service provides diagnosis and follow-up support for women with a molar pregnancy. This occurs when abnormal cells grow inside the womb rather than a baby. The service is hosted by NHS Tayside and located within the Department of Genetics, Ninewells Hospital Dundee.
What support does the hydatidiform mole service provide?
If women in Scotland are suspected of having a hydatidiform molar pregnancy, samples are sent to the Hydatidiform Mole Follow-Up Service for expert opinion and diagnosis. If confirmed, these women are offered enrolment in the laboratory follow-up programme, which monitors urinary and serum hCG concentration at regular timely periods, using a specialised test. This programme will ensure the presence of persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD), or the development of choriocarcinoma, can be detected at an early stage. PTD happens when some molar tissue is left behind following treatment, while choriocarcinoma is a uterine cancer.
For those women with persistent or malignant disease, treatment with chemotherapy is undertaken at Charing Cross Hospital, London. The Dundee team coordinates this care and provides ongoing follow-up support.
Referral process
Consultant pathologists and/or consultant obstetricians can refer patients to this service.
Patients with any queries should contact the service on:
01382 632748
or email