Which condition is characterized by excessive elevation of hCG levels for gestational age?

Hydatidiform mole is characterized by excessively elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for the corresponding gestational age. This condition occurs when there is abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue following fertilization, resulting in the development of a neoplastic mass in the uterus. In complete hydatidiform moles, there is an absence of a viable fetus, and the levels of hCG can be significantly higher than expected for the gestational age. The high hCG levels can also lead to symptoms such as hyperemesis gravidarum and can be indicative of other complications.

In contrast, while choriocarcinoma (another type of trophoblastic disease) can also lead to elevated hCG levels, it is typically a malignant condition that arises from the remains of a hydatidiform mole or other pregnancy types, and its hCG levels are often associated with the progression of the disease rather than simply being excessive for the gestational age. Ectopic pregnancies generally cause lower than expected hCG levels since the developing trophoblastic tissue is not in the correct location to support normal growth. Multiple gestations can elevate hCG levels but tend to produce levels within a range that correlates with the number of embryos, rather