Molar and Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) has been known for over 2400 years and, in the last century, Dr. Ober was one of the first to compose a review of GTD history [1]. Hippocrates (460–370 AD) first described the hydatidiform mole as the “dropsy of the uterus.” In 600 AD, Aetius of Armida (502–575 AD) described a uterus “filled with bladder-like objects,” probably referring to a molar tissue. Velpeau and Boivin recognized hydatids as cystic dilations of chorionic villi in 1827. Marchand, in 1895, proved these tumors to be the sequelae of pregnancy, abortion, or hydatidiform mole and described the proliferation of the syncytium and cytotrophoblast [2]. Finally, Fels, Ernhart, Reossler, and Zondek proved the presence of high levels of gonadotropic hormone in the urine of patients with GTD [3].