MATERNAL MELANOMA METASTATIC TO THE PLACENTA - A CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Metastases of maternal cancer to the placenta and fetus are rare in ca ses of maternal primary malignancy. This report describes a case of ma lignant melanoma metastatic to the placenta, reviews the literature, a nd discusses the clinical significance. A 33-year-old woman presented at 30 weeks' gestation with multiple metastases from a malignant melan oma diagnosed 4 years previously. Rapid maternal deterioration necessi tated premature cesarean delivery, and maternal death occurred 7 days later. The placenta showed multiple metastases of malignant melanoma. The infant, however, is alive and well at 7 months of age. Melanoma in pregnancy rarely results in metastasis to the conceptus, but when it does occur there may be fatal consequences to the fetus. Therefore, th e placenta should be thoroughly examined for metastasis, which, if pre sent, should alert the clinician to monitor the infant for development of malignant disease.