Fatal breast rhabdomyosarcoma in a 15 year old primigravida

A fatal case of rhabdomyosarcoma, occurring in a 15 year old primigravida is described. Difficulties in early and correct diagnosis, the problems of management, and whether this cancer is due to the pregnant condition are discussed. The ethical dilemma is: should the pregnancy be allowed to continue or not, causing delay in the beginning of chemotherapy yet permitting the delivery of a healthy fetus--since the mother was certainly condemned by the widespread diffusion of the rhabdomyosarcoma.