Impact and treatment of cancer during pregnancy

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2004 Oct;4(5):889-902. doi: 10.1586/14737140.4.5.889.

Abstract

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the reproductive years and complicates up to one in 1000 pregnancies. When cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy, the management strategy must take into account both the mother and developing fetus. In this article, the four most common malignancies diagnosed in pregnant patients--cervical and breast cancer, malignant melanoma and lymphoma--will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the impact of the diagnosis and management on the pregnant patient and the developing fetus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Female
  • Fetal Development
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / radiotherapy
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / radiotherapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / radiotherapy