Mistakes Are Common; Should We Worry about Them?

Mutations arising early in human development are surprisingly com-mon, but most often are confined to the placenta. These mutations provide clues to the normal devel-opmental processes leading to a healthy placenta, despite these features being shared in common with cancer.

Automated summary

Mutations occurring early in human development are often seen in the placenta, providing insights into normal developmental processes leading to a healthy placenta. Despite similarities with cancer, these mutations are mainly confined to the placenta and not the embryo.