D Dequanter1, D Hertens, I Veys, J M Nogaret. 1. Service de chirurgie mammo-pelvienne, Institut Jules-Bordet, rue Héger-Bordet, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique.
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.
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.