[Ovarian cancer during pregnancy--presentation of three cases and current diagnostic and treatment algorithms]

Malignant tumors are rarely diagnosed during pregnancy and their incidence ranges from 2.4% to 5.7%. Ovarian cancer is ranked fifth among all cancer types and second among all genital cancers diagnosed during pregnancy The course of the disease is asymptomatic in most cases and the initial diagnose is typically made during a routine ultrasound examination. Management of ovarian cancer during pregnancy presents a considerable challenge due to the absence of clear standards of treatment.

We present three clinical cases of patients suffering from ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy a review of the literature, as well as possible therapeutic options.

Three different clinical scenarios in patients with ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy have been presented. In addition, we reviewed current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for patients with ovarian cancer and co-existing pregnancy.

Approximately 5% of ovarian tumors diagnosed in pregnancy are malignant. There are no treatment standards for ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. Surgical treatment and the subsequent chemotherapy in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy appear to be safe for both, the mother and the child. However, the potential risks and benefits associated with the treatment have to be thoroughly analyzed on a case-by-case basis, to establish optimal diagnostic and treatment algorithms.