Breast cancer in pregnancy
Francesca Rovera1, Francesco Frattini, Alessandra Coglitore
1Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. francesca.rovera@uninsubria.it
The Breast Journal
|November 6, 2010
Summary
Pregnancy-related breast cancer (PBC) management requires prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary care. Treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy (avoiding the first trimester), and delayed radiotherapy, prioritizing maternal and fetal safety.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Pregnancy-related breast cancer (PBC) is increasingly diagnosed due to rising maternal age.
- PBC accounts for up to 3% of all breast cancer diagnoses.
- Physiological breast changes during pregnancy can delay diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for PBC.
- To identify challenges and best practices in managing breast cancer during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PBC diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of treatment modalities including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy.
- Evaluation of diagnostic delays and multidisciplinary care approaches.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic delays are common; preoperative histologic confirmation is essential.
- Conservative surgery is feasible in the second and third trimesters; radiotherapy is deferred post-childbirth.
- Chemotherapy regimens are similar to non-pregnant patients but contraindicated in the first trimester. Radiotherapy and endocrine therapy are generally avoided during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Optimal PBC management is multidisciplinary, requiring close collaboration between patients and healthcare providers.
- Obstetricians play a crucial role in early detection through regular breast examinations.
- While novel therapies exist, their use in pregnancy is limited due to insufficient safety data.
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