Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
08:09
Tubal Cytology of the Fallopian Tube as a Promising Tool for Ovarian Cancer Early Detection
Published on: July 25, 2017
Gynaecological cancers in pregnancy
Philippe Morice1, Catherine Uzan, Sebastien Gouy
1Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France. morice@igr.fr
Lancet (London, England)
|February 14, 2012
Summary
Diagnosing cervical and ovarian cancers during pregnancy requires careful consideration of tumor stage and patient factors. Management strategies vary based on cancer type, stage, and trimester, prioritizing maternal and fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Cervical and ovarian cancers are the most common gynecologic malignancies diagnosed during pregnancy.
- Management decisions are complex, balancing cancer treatment with pregnancy continuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnostic and management considerations for cervical and ovarian cancers in pregnant patients.
- To outline approaches for early-stage and advanced disease, considering gestational stage and patient preferences.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines for managing gynecologic cancers during pregnancy.
- Discussion of diagnostic tools like MRI and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for staging.
- Case-by-case analysis of treatment options, including surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Early-stage cervical cancer management involves tumor size, nodal staging, and trimester, with conservative approaches possible.
- Locally advanced cervical cancer management is controversial and individualized based on tumor characteristics, pregnancy stage, and patient wishes.
- Ovarian cancer management depends on histology, differentiation, nodal status, stage, and trimester, with neoadjuvant chemotherapy considered for advanced or high-risk cases.
Conclusions:
- Individualized, multidisciplinary approaches are crucial for managing cervical and ovarian cancers during pregnancy.
- Treatment strategies must be tailored to the specific cancer, gestational age, and patient's reproductive desires.
- Balancing oncologic outcomes with fetal well-being is paramount in these complex cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
02:07Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...