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Fetal and placental metastases associated with maternal cancers

  • Special Section: Cancer in Pregnancy
  • Published:
Abdominal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, MG160, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada

    Phyllis Glanc

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Glanc, P. Fetal and placental metastases associated with maternal cancers. Abdom Radiol 48, 1784–1792 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-03852-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-023-03852-x

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