[Placental metastases from maternal malignancies: review of the literature].

The purpose of this paper was to update and analyse all the reported cases of placental metastasis. These tumours are rare and seem to complicate aggressive or disseminated malignant melanomas, leukaemias, breast cancers and lung cancers. Maternal prognosis is poor. The risk factors of cancer in the newborn are unknown. In a pregnant woman with a history of malignancy, a systematic histological examination of the placenta for evidence of metastasis is required. Close observation and follow-up of the infant has to be recommended, especially in case of placental involvement. To estimate the incidence of placental metastases and to improve knowledge of their natural history, the creation of registries of malignancies associated with pregnancy is required.