Overview
The Hydatidiform Mole Follow-Up Service (HMFUS) is the Scottish national service for diagnosis and follow-up of hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy) and related gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Our laboratory and clinical office are located at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, one of three UK centres alongside Charing Cross Hospital, London, and Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield.
What We Offer
Expert Pathology Review
Specialist histopathological review of tissue samples to confirm or exclude molar pregnancy and related conditions.
hCG Monitoring (RIA)
Regular urinary and serum hCG monitoring using our specialised radioimmunoassay (RIA) system to track recovery.
Clinical Management
Coordination with specialist centres, including referral for chemotherapy at Charing Cross Hospital when needed.
Counselling Support
Free, confidential counselling for women and families affected by molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblastic disease.
National hCG Reagent Production
We produce iodinated hCG reagent for all UK GTD follow-up centres (Dundee, Charing Cross, Sheffield).
About Molar Pregnancy
Hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy) is a relatively uncommon pregnancy disorder, occurring in approximately 1 in 500–1,000 pregnancies. It forms part of the spectrum of gestational trophoblastic disease, which includes both benign and malignant conditions.
If a molar pregnancy is suspected in Scotland, tissue samples are sent to the HMFUS for expert diagnosis. If confirmed, women are enrolled in our follow-up programme, which monitors hCG levels at regular intervals using our specialised RIA system. For those with persistent or malignant disease, chemotherapy is undertaken at Charing Cross Hospital, London.
Excellent outcomes
With modern care, cure rates exceed 95%, making successful outcomes the norm. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
The Scottish Centre
This programme was initiated in 1972 and was initially funded by a grant from the SHHD to Tayside Health Board under the New Developments in Health Care programme. In 1993 the programme was designated an NSD funded service and has remained so to the present.
The diagnostic and follow-up laboratory is located on Level 7 in Ninewells Laboratory Block. The administrative clinical office is located on Level 6 beside Ward 38 at Ninewells Hospital.
About Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a spectrum of conditions arising from abnormal growth of trophoblast tissue. These range from the usually benign partial hydatidiform mole to rare malignant forms including invasive mole choriocarcinoma and placental site trophoblastic tumours (GTN).
Although these illnesses are rare, the outlook for patients is excellent. With modern care, cure rates exceed 95%, making successful outcomes the norm. The unique biology of these conditions requires a specialised approach to diagnosis and treatment — which is why dedicated national centres such as HMFUS Scotland exist.
Receiving samples from across Scotland
If women in Scotland are suspected of having a molar pregnancy, samples are sent to the HMFUS for expert opinion and diagnosis. If confirmed, these women are offered enrolment in our follow-up programme.