Pregnancy-Associated Cancer: A Clinical Overview
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated cancer (PAC) refers to neoplastic conditions identified throughout the gestational period or in the immediate postpartum phase. These malignancies occur in roughly one out of every 1,000 pregnancies, a frequency that is trending upward due to a rise in maternal age at conception and enhanced screening techniques, the most prevalent forms of PAC include carcinomas of the breast, cervix, ovaries, and thyroid, as well as malignant melanoma, leukaemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diagnosing PAC presents specific clinical hurdles, as standard gestational physiological shifts often mask early oncological symptoms, frequently resulting in late-stage identification. Effective management necessitates a coordinated multidisciplinary strategy that prioritizes maternal therapeutic outcomes while safeguarding fetal health. Clinical evidence indicates that surgical intervention and chemotherapy are generally viable after the first trimester, though radiotherapy they must be administered with extreme caution. Furthermore, PAC is associated with increased risks of gestational complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight. This chapter synthesizes contemporary research to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and integrated management of both mother and child.
Author Affiliations
- 1 School of Forensic Sciences, National Forensic Sciences University, Delhi-85, India.
- 2 Department of Biotechnology, Basveswar Engineering College, Bangalkote, Karnataka, India.