Placental and fetal involvement

Metastatic disease to the placenta and to the fetus is fortunately quite rare. The most likely tumours to metastasize to the placenta include melanomas and haematological malignancies. In all cases where malignant spread is possible, the placenta should be submitted for careful histological evaluation. The fetus should be examined care­fully at birth and at regular intervals after birth to look for any signs of metastatic disease.