Journal of International Surgery and Clinical Medicine
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Available online : 1 June 2026

Persistent hydatidiform mole following incomplete evacuation mimicking post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia successfully managed with repeat suction curettage: a case report

Mala Hayati (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Aceh, Indonesia)
Cut Meurah Yeni (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Aceh, Indonesia)
Rizka Aditya (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Aceh, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 May 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Hydatidiform mole is the most common form of gestational trophoblastic disease and may progress to post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Persistent vaginal bleeding and elevated β-hCG levels following molar evacuation may indicate persistent trophoblastic disease and create diagnostic challenges, particularly when histopathological evaluation is unavailable. Case Report: A 27-year-old woman was referred with persistent vaginal bleeding five months after suction curettage for a hydatidiform mole. Histopathological examination was not performed during the initial evacuation because the anatomical pathology service was unavailable. Physical examination revealed uterine enlargement and active vaginal bleeding. Serum β-hCG was markedly elevated at 223,759 mIU/mL, and ultrasonography demonstrated an enlarged uterus with a heterogeneous honeycomb appearance suggestive of hydatidiform mole. The patient underwent repeat suction curettage, and histopathological examination demonstrated persistent hydatidiform mole without evidence of malignancy. Serial β-hCG monitoring showed progressive decline to <2 mIU/mL without chemotherapy. Discussion: Persistent trophoblastic disease following incomplete evacuation may clinically resemble post-molar GTN because of persistent bleeding, uterine enlargement, and markedly elevated β-hCG levels. Histopathological evaluation and serial β-hCG surveillance were essential in distinguishing persistent hydatidiform mole from malignant trophoblastic disease. Repeat suction curettage facilitated definitive diagnosis and complete remission in this patient. Conclusion: Persistent trophoblastic disease secondary to incomplete evacuation of a hydatidiform mole may mimic post-molar GTN. Repeat suction curettage may represent an effective management option in carefully selected low-risk patients with disease confined to the uterus.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JISCM

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Journal of International Surgery and Clinical Medicine; peer-reviewed journal aiming to communicate high-quality research articles, reviews, and general articles in the field. JISCM publishes articles that encompass basic research/clinical studies related to Surgical Oncology, Digestive Surgery, ...