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Breast Cancer and Pregnancy

Paula C. Trepman, MPH, MD and Josh Fischer, MD, PhD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Breast cancer in pregnancy is defined as breast cancer that is diagnosed during pregnancy, during lactation, and up to 12 months postpartum. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Incidence

  • Gestational breast c...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass.

  • Any mass in the breast during pregnancy must be investigated.

  • Women may present with breast pain, nipple pain, or nipple disc...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Breast cancer during pregnancy should be diagnosed and treated promptly, using many of the same general principles as in the nonpregnant woman.

  • It is important that the care o...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • The standard approach for monitoring patients is a physical exam and a review of symptoms ranging from every 3 to every 6 months for the first 2 to 3 years, every...

REFERENCES

1
Kuo  K, Caughey  A. Management strategy for breast cancer in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol.  2018;132(1):122–125. [View Abstract on OvidMedline] ...

CODES

ICD10

  • O9A.119 Malignant neoplasm complicating pregnancy, unsp trimester

  • C50.919 Malignant neoplasm of unsp site of unspecified female breast

SNOMED

  • 609496007 Complication occurring during pregnancy ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • A breast exam is recommended as part of the initial prenatal visit.

  • Any mass in the breast of a pregnant woman must receive the same prompt attention as a mass in a nonpregnant woman.

  • Br...

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