Malignant tumors may rarely metastasize to the placenta. This requires cancer onset at a relatively young age, preserved fertility and lack of contraception. A placenta showing unexpected masses should be submitted for pathologic examination.
Malignant tumors reported to metastasize to the placenta:
(1) malignant melanoma
(2) lung cancer
(3) breast cancer
(4) leukemia
Tumors may be detected because of:
(1) unexpected masses in the placenta
(2) careful placenta examination in a woman with a history of cancer
(3) appearances of metastatic tumors elsewhere in the woman during pregnancy
Complications:
(1) metastasis to the fetus
(2) premature delivery
(3) intrauterine fetal demise
The prognosis for the mother is often poor, with some mothers dying soon after delivery.
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