Fetal and placental metastases associated with maternal cancers.

PURPOSE: Review the effects of fetal and placental metastases in the setting of maternal cancer.

METHOD: Data reported in the peer-reviewed literature were combined with guidelines to evaluate the incidence, type and prognosis for fetal and placental metastasis in the setting of maternal cancer.

RESULTS

Limited literature available. Fetal and placental metastasis are rare. Fetal metastasis generally occurs on the background of concurrent placental metastasis thus it is important to thoroughly examine the placenta in cases of known gestational cancers. Tumor molecular testing is used to confirm maternal to offspring transmission. Maternal to offspring transmission may have a long timeline between birth to clinical presentation. Prognosis in offspring may be better than in the mother who may have a more aggressive phenotype.

CONCLUSION

Fetal and placental metastasis associated with maternal cancers are rare and limited peer-reviewed literature is available. The occurrence may be confirmed by detailed histological placental evaluation and molecular testing in the offspring.