Melanoma and pregnancy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Worldwide melanoma incidence is increasing, with a significant proportion affecting women of childbearing age.
• Malignant melanoma is the most common cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, highlighting the need for clear management guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge and address controversies regarding melanoma in pregnant women.
• To provide guidance on diagnosis, staging, and treatment of melanoma during pregnancy.
• To clarify the impact of hormonal changes and pregnancy on melanoma prognosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on melanoma and pregnancy.
• Analysis of controversial aspects including hormonal influences, staging, and treatment.
• Synthesis of information to aid clinical decision-making.

Main Results:

• The incidence and prognostic impact of pregnancy on melanoma remain unclear.
• Management of suspicious nevi requires careful evaluation and safe surgical intervention under local anesthesia.
• Treatment decisions in advanced melanoma during pregnancy necessitate a thorough risk-benefit analysis.

Conclusions:

• There is a lack of European guidelines for managing melanoma in pregnant women.
• Further research is needed to resolve controversies surrounding hormonal influences and pregnancy's impact on melanoma.
• This review aims to support clinicians in managing melanoma during pregnancy, considering both maternal and fetal well-being.