Hydatidiform Mole and Its Complications in the State of Victoria

Summary In a series of 328 consecutive molar pregnancies in the State of Victoria the incidence of malignant sequelae was 4·3 per cent. The incidence of hydatidiform mole and its complications was higher in patients over 40 years of age and of parity three or more. In 3 of the 14 patients with malignancy the diagnosis was evident before expulsion of the mole and 6 others were over the age of 40 years. It is concluded that Tow's recommendation for primary prophylactic hysterectomy in patients over 40 is valid for this community but is not indicated for those of parity three or more who are aged less than 40 years. In this community 55 per cent of trophoblastic malignancies follow hydatidiform moles. It is suggested that race influences the behaviour of hydatidiform mole as well as its incidence. Our findings are similar to those reported from Norway with regard to incidences of molar pregnancy and of malignant complications, but are different from the findings reported from Asia.