Cancer in pregnancy

Shah, Ahmar A.; Shafi, Mahmood I.

doi:10.1016/j.ogrm.2008.08.002

« Previous Next »Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine
Volume 18, Issue 10 , Pages 279-284, October 2008

Cancer in pregnancy

Ahmar A Shah MBBS MCPS FCPS MRCOG is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 4AT UK

Mahmood I Shafi MB BCh MD DA FRCOG is a Consultant in Gyneacological Oncology at Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK

Abstract

Cancer in pregnancy appears to challenge the clinician more commonly nowadays. Delaying childbearing to a later age has increased the number of women with cancer in pregnancy. The incidence of cancer in pregnancy is estimated to be 1 in 1000. Pregnancy-associated malignancy presents a significant dilemma in management as a result of conflict between maternal therapy and effects of treatment on fetal well-being. Due to lack of large studies there is a need for clinical guidelines for most of these conditions. In this problem-based review, the most common conditions are discussed with respect to background, clinical presentation, difficulties in diagnosis and alternative diagnostic modalities, and management issues considering the mother and fetus.

Keywords: cancer, malignancy, pregnancy