Evaluation and management of lymphoma and leukemia in pregnancy

Abstract

Cancer complicates roughly 1 in 1000 pregnancies with roughly 18% of these cases represented by the hematologic malignancies. These can range from an indolent lymphoma requiring only close monitoring to acute, life-threatening, processes requiring emergent therapy, and evaluation for potential termination of the pregnancy. Management of a pregnant woman with a hematologic malignancy requires a multidisciplinary approach combining the expertise of hematologists, obstetricians, and perinatologists to accomplish the best possible outcome. Many women are able to be treated successfully and deliver healthy babies.