Malignancies in pregnancy

• We review the epidemiology and outcomes of malignancy in pregnancy in general.
• We provide a general overview of the treatment of malignancy in pregnancy with chemotherapy and radiation.
• The more common malignancies seen in pregnancy are reviewed in detail.
• Outcomes and survival of malignancy in pregnancy are similar to nonpregnant patients.
• Timing of delivery is dependent on the type and stage of the malignancy, and the gestational age at diagnosis.

Malignancy complicating pregnancy is fortunately rare, affecting one in 1000 to one in 1500 pregnancies. Optimal treatment involves balancing the benefit of treatment for the mother while minimizing harm to the fetus. This balance is dependent on the extent of the disease, the recommended course of treatment, and the gestational age at which treatment is considered.Both surgery and chemotherapy are generally safe in pregnancy, whereas radiation therapy is relatively contraindicated. Iatrogenic prematurity is the most common pregnancy complication, as infants are often delivered for maternal benefit. In general, however, survival does not differ from the nonpregnant population.These patients require a multidisciplinary approach for management with providers having experience in caring for these complex patients. The aim of this review was to provide an overview for obstetricians of the diagnosis and management of malignancy in pregnancy.