The management of breast cancer during pregnancy

Manejo del cáncer de mama durante el embarazo

Introduction: breast cancer during pregnancy is uncommon, however its incidence has increased as women are choosing to delay childbearing. Objective: to analyze the management of breast cancer during pregnancy. Materials and methods: online biomedical scientific literature databases were examined to identify eligible articles on women with breast cancer during pregnancy, published in the last 15 years. Results: a diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy is a challenging situation. Treatment should follow the protocols used in non-pregnant women while minimizing risks for the fetus. Ultrasound is the ideal imaging method. Mammography can also be performed for it poses low radiation exposure to the fetus. Modified radical mastectomy is the recommended treatment during the first trimester. Neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy can be administered during the second or third trimesters, with minimal fetal risks. The use of both radiation therapy and endocrine therapy is contraindicated. Pregnancy does not affect recurrence and survival in treated patients. Conclusion: the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer has increased. Treatment should try to follow the guidelines described for non-pregnant women, appearing not to affect prognosis. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. 

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