Aims and objectives
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) or gestational breast cancer is defined as breast cancer occurred during the pregnancy or within 12 months after delivery,
as well as in any point during lactation.
Gestational breast cancer is uncommon,
although it is the most common cancer during this period.
Itsapproximate incidence according to the literature is 1/3000 pregnancies.
The objectives of our presentation are performing a descriptive review of cases listed in our hospital in recent years (2003-2012),
analyzing the usefulness of mammography,
ultrasound and resonance during this...
Methods and materials
We reviewed 11 cases of gestational breast cancer in our hospital from 2003 to 2014,
including only those who have completed treatment and collecting in each case: Clinical,
imaging and pathological findings,
receptors,
pre- and post gestational treatment,
evolution and management of pregnancy.
We support our findings with a literature review.
Results
1.
Diagnostic management
The diagnosis of breast cancer during pregnancy is more complicated due to the physiological changes occurring in breast during this period.
Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice in evaluating breast abnormalities during pregnancy and lactation,
and therefore also in the diagnosis of breast cancer associated with pregnancy since it does not use ionizing radiation and has a high sensitivity (100 %).
It allows differentiation between normal tissue and mass,
and characterization of masses in the second case (benign or malignant characteristics)....
Conclusion
During pregnancy,
mammary physiological changes decrease the mammography sensitivity,
so the ultrasound plays a more important role in diagnosis of gestational breast cancer.
Mammography should be used as a supporting diagnosis method,
and can be performed with abdominal protection.
The use of MRI is not accepted in general lines,
but can be performed after pregnancy.
The management of gestational breast cancer should be preferably done from a multidisciplinary unit of breast pathology.
In general lines,
common recommendations must be followed,
adapting the management to the...
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