Final answer:
The treatment of choice for a hydatidiform mole involves surgical evacuation of the uterus, typically through dilation and curettage (D&C). The patient's hCG levels are monitored post-surgery to ensure complete removal of the mole, and in some cases, chemotherapy may be necessary if invasive disease is detected or hCG levels do not normalize.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of Choice for Hydatidiform Mole
The treatment of choice for a hydatidiform mole, which is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease, generally involves surgical intervention. The most common procedure is a surgical evacuation of the uterus, typically through a method known as dilation and curettage (D&C). This procedure removes the molar tissue from the uterus to prevent complications such as heavy bleeding or progression to a more invasive form of the disease.
Following the surgical treatment, the patient's human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels will be monitored closely to ensure that the molar tissue has been completely removed and to check for any signs of persistent trophoblastic disease. In some cases, if hCG levels do not return to normal or if there are signs of invasive disease, chemotherapy may be required. It is also important for patients to avoid pregnancy for a period of time after treatment for a hydatidiform mole due to the risk of recurrence and to ensure that hCG levels can be accurately monitored.