[Ovarian cancer and pregnancy]

Abstract

The authors report 6 cases of carcinoma of the ovary presenting during pregnancy in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of La Grave University Hospital, Toulouse, between 1972 and 1994. Analysis of this series is followed by a review of the literature which reveals that carcinoma of the ovary fortunately remains a rare event during pregnancy. All reported series conclude that the diagnosis is made at an early stage. Management depends in great part on the age of the pregnancy and stage of malignancy. During the first 6 months, immediate surgery is essential, with sacrifice of the pregnancy, except at stage IA1. During the final 3 months, surgery is delayed until fetal maturity. This classical attitude is currently being questioned. This classical attitude is currently being questioned. Some teams feel that conservative treatment followed by chemotherapy is possible, thereby preserving the pregnancy. The choice of the couple must always be taken into account when making these management decisions.