UKMLA PLAB AMC USMLE Prometric MCQ

Correct Answer: E

Explanation:
This appearance is most typical of a benign neoplasm composed of small vascular channels--essentially a form of hemangioma known as a chorangioma (chorioangioma, placental angioma). These are focal fleshy, dark-red areas on the placenta. These benign hemangiomas occur in 1 percent of placentas. While small chorioangiomas are usually of no clinical significance, large chorioangiomas are associated with fetal anemia, thrombocytopenia, hydrops, hydramnios, intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity and stillbirth. The neoplasm's gross appearance can be variable, with a tan to yellow to white to red to brown appearance depending upon vascularity, fibrosis, and hemosiderin deposition. Most chorangiomas are small and of no clinical significance.