Pregnant woman with a neck mass

None of the consultants was comfortable with the idea of proceeding with the biopsy of a neck mass in an outpatient clinic setting. All warned about the possible relationship of the mass with important anatomic structures. With regard to needing further information, physicians requested an imaging study of the neck, thoracic cavity, and mediastinum (Dr. Cummings); pelvic examination, breast examination with mammography, chest x-ray, and CBC (Dr. Weymuller); flexible endoscopy, chest x-ray, CBC, and MRI (Dr. Woodson). All three experts advised her to put IVF on hold. After the work-up, they would proceed with a biopsy of the mass and send the tissue to the pathologist in saline. In addition, tissue should be examined for fungus and AFB (Drs. Weymuller and Woodson). Because the patient proceeded with IVF and became pregnant, two experts advised her to abort and proceed with treatment for her Hodgkin's disease (Drs. Cummings and Woodson). The other option was for her to continue her pregnancy and proceed with radiotherapy to her neck, with shielding of the abdomen (Dr. Weymuller).