[Multiple breast fibroadenomas in pregnancy - diagnostics and therapy]

Benign tumours in pregnancy are often "lactating adenomas". The differentiation against malignant processes is sometimes difficult. In this case report we demonstrate the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in an 18-year old woman with multiple nodes in the right and left breast. Pregnancy makes it difficult to examine the breast with the usual methods. Because of suspect clinical and ultrasonic findings we made a core biopsy already during pregnancy. With nodes in the breast during pregnancy, ultrasound is the diagnostic method of choice. Histology by core biopsy must be made. As long as the histology corresponds with the ultrasound findings, controls are sufficient if the findings are benign. Otherwise, diagnostic exstirpation will be necessary even though the patient is pregnant. Ultrasound and biopsy are the only significant examinations in pregnancy and lactation. Mammography is contraindicated because of radiation. Assessment by palpation and NMR is problematic during pregnancy.