[Breast cancer and pregnancy. Review of the literature]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2001 Jan;29(1):9-14. doi: 10.1016/s1297-9589(00)00048-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: The pregnancy-associated breast cancer seems to have become increasingly common with a high frequency of advanced breast cancer with axillary node metastases and so associated with poor prognosis.

Materials and methods: This review examines the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cancer during pregnancy; both in terms of the cancer's effect on the pregnancy, and the pregnancy's effect on the cancer.

Results: Diagnostic procedures (breast sonography) and excisional biopsies are necessary to reduce the delay of several months or more after discovery of a mass and before treatment. No histological difference, between patients with pregnancy-associated breast cancer and patients with non-pregnancy-associated breast cancer, was diagnosed.

Conclusion: The treatment is linked to the effects of adjuvant therapy on the fetus.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Mastectomy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents