Intraplacental choriocarcinoma in a term placenta with both maternal and infantile metastases: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Intraplacental choriocarcinoma is rare, and usually results in maternal metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Intraplacental choriocarcinoma involves both mother and infant is extremely rare. There was only one case report of intraplacental choriocarcinoma with confirmed metastases involving both the mother and the infant.

CASE: We describe a second case of intraplacental choriocarcinoma in a term placenta with both maternal and infantile metastases. Grossly, the primary lesion of the placenta resembled an old infarct. Microscopically, clusters of malignant trophoblasts arose from residual normal chorionic villi and infiltrated into the intervillous spaces. Both the mother and the infant received chemotherapy and were alive without disease after one year's follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The optimal treatment for intraplacental choriocarcinoma is controversial. However, aggressive chemotherapy is suggested for patients with metastatic disease.