[Melanoma and pregnancy]

Abstract

The incidence of melanoma has steadily increased in recent years. As women of childbearing age are also increasing being affected, questions about birth control, hormonal contraception and necessary procedures in case of pregnancy are spotlighted when counseling this group of patients. A potentially adverse effect of pregnancy on melanoma risk and prognosis has been discussed for decades. Giving advice to pregnant melanoma patients concerning diagnostic and therapeutic decisions often requires interdisciplinary collaboration of the treating clinicians, especially in cases of progressive metastatic disease.