Gestational trophoblastic disease within an elective abortion population.

Gestational trophoblastic disease, most commonly hydatidiform mole, is an unusual condition within the United States. The incidence of hydatidiform mole has been reported to vary from 1 in 1,200 to 1 in 2,000 pregnancies. This report described eight cases of hydatidiform mole among 4,829 patients presenting for elective first-trimester abortion. Factors which might account for the frequency of hydatidiform mole of 1 in 600 are discussed. Although the clinical course of patients with hydatidiform mole appears benign- gross examination of tissue obtained at suction curettage and the liberal use of histologic evaluation in questionable cases is required to make the diagnosis.