Approaches to the Diagnosis and Management of Ovarian Cancer in Pregnancy

• Main Authors: Michalczyk K, Cymbaluk-Płoska A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2021-03-01
• Series: Cancer Management and Research
• Subjects: pregnancy; chemotherapy; ovarian malignancy; tumor markers
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/approaches-to-the-diagnosis-and-management-of-ovarian-cancer-in-pregna-peer-reviewed-article-CMAR
• ISSN: 1179-1322

Kaja Michalczyk, Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska Department of Gynecological Surgery and Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, PolandCorrespondence: Kaja Michalczyk al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, Szczecin, 70-111, PolandTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [e-mail]: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers diagnosed in pregnancy. Its management is often very problematic due to the proximity of the adnexa to the developing fetus and chemotherapy-related toxicity risk. Tumor markers and imagining studies play important roles in diagnosis, help differentiate benign masses from malignancy and allow to plan the treatment. Due to the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy, levels of tumor markers can be altered and reduce their diagnostic value. We review current recommendations for the management and treatment of ovarian cancer in pregnant patients considering gestational age at diagnosis, tumor histology, stage of the disease, risk of obstetrical complications, and patient’s preferences.Keywords: pregnancy, chemotherapy, ovarian malignancy, tumor markers