Management of pregnant women with breast cancer

Abstract

Pregnancy complicates the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Surgical treatment options of mastectomy or breast-conservation can be used as for non-pregnant patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be safely used with lymphoscintigraphy. Chemotherapy is appropriate in the second and third trimesters, however, radiation therapy should be delayed until after delivery. Multidisciplinary care, including High-Risk Obstetrics, remains the best approach to managing this complex patient population.