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Updated: May 9, 2026

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Mouse Model of Surgical Uterine Injury and Subsequent Pregnancy Outcomes
Published on: June 27, 2025
Cervical squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to placenta
Nhu Thuy T Can1, Patricia Robertson, Charles J Zaloudek
1Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 94143-0102, USA.
Summary
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma from the cervix to the placenta is extremely rare. This case highlights a rare instance of cervical cancer metastasis to the placenta in a pregnant patient.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cervical cancer during pregnancy presents unique challenges for maternal and fetal management.
- Metastasis of cervical cancer to the placenta is an exceptionally rare event.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old pregnant woman (33 weeks gestation) with Stage IIB cervical cancer delivered a healthy infant.
- Placental examination revealed microscopic evidence of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.
- Immunohistochemical staining for p16 confirmed the metastatic origin from the cervical tumor.
Findings:
- The study reports a rare case of cervical squamous cell carcinoma metastasizing to the placenta.
- Confirmation was achieved through histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis (p16 staining).
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare metastatic patterns in obstetric oncology.
- Recommendations for infant follow-up in cases of maternal placental metastasis are discussed.
- Further research into the implications of placental metastasis for neonatal outcomes is warranted.
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