Carcinoma arising in the wall of a breast cyst during pregnancy

A 23-year-old patient developed a carcinoma in the wall of a breast cyst during the second trimester of an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy. A review of the literature revealed 7 reported cases of carcinoma of the breast arising in a cyst wall. However, none of these these cases has been associated with pregnancy. The relationship of fibrocystic disease and carcinoma of the breast is discussed. The possible influence of pregnancy and age on the prognosis of this patient are also considered.