incomplete mole

Last reviewed 01/2018

Incomplete or partial hydatidiform moles most commonly are triploid, and associated with a developing triploid foetus.

The pathologic and clinical features of an incomplete mole are broadly similar to that of a complete mole but are usually less severe.

By comparison to a complete mole, an incomplete mole tends to be detected later and less commonly, causes uterine enlargement. Pre-eclampsia tends to be more severe but is most likely in the latter half of the second trimester.

Evacuation is rarely needed as spontaneous termination of the pregnancy tends to precede detection of the mole.

Importantly, partial moles are not reported to metastasise so chemotherapy is rarely required.