A case of a hydatidiform mole in a 56-year-old woman.

A case of a 56-year-old woman with a mole pregnancy and a human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-induced thyreotoxicosis is presented. A proper diagnosis was only made after a period of patient and doctor's delay. After performing a hysterectomy, the HCG quickly normalized. Thyroid function normalized with thiamazol treatment. It is well known that older women have a higher risk to develop gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Furthermore, the chance of persistent trophoblastic disease is increased in this population. The literature on risk factors for developing persistent GTD and the possibilities for treatment in older patients is reviewed.