Maternal melanoma with placental metastasis.
A 40-year-old woman, a grand multipara with uncertain gestation, presented with severe, prolonged diarrhoea. She was previously diagnosed to have melanoma. Examination revealed gross ascites with hepatosplenomegaly and uterus corresponding to 29 weeks gestation. An emergency caesarean section confirmed widespread metastases to the ovaries, mesentery and placenta. A viable male foetus was delivered with features of intrauterine growth restriction. The baby survived, but the mother died a week later. This case highlights the importance of thoroughly assessing placentas and babies of patients with melanoma for metastases.
Shuhaila
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia. shuhaila@mail.hukm.ukm.my
Rohaizak
M
M
Phang
K S
KS
Mahdy
Z A
ZA
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary*; D010922:Placenta Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome