Ovarian cysts and cancer in pregnancy

•Ovarian cancer in pregnancy should be managed by experienced and multidisciplinary team.•Obstetric outcome is not adversely affected by the management of ovarian cancer.•The best time for surgery is the second trimester of pregnancy.•Standard chemotherapy for ovarian cancer can be administered only during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Adnexal masses are diagnosed in 5% pregnancies and pose diagnostic and management challenges. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the mainstay as an evaluation procedure; surgery is warranted for persistent masses with a diameter of >5 cm and sonographic signs of possible malignancy. Optimal timing for a planned surgery is the second trimester and does not adversely affect neonatal outcome. Laparoscopy is safe in pregnancy. Management for ovarian cancer during pregnancy should be individualised and formulated by a multidisciplinary team in a specialised centre while also considering the patients' wishes to preserve pregnancy. The following options can be considered: (i) induced abortion followed by standard management of ovarian cancer, (ii) pregnancy-preserving surgery followed by chemotherapy, planned delivery and secondary surgical completion or (iii) neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery during the postpartum period. Standard chemotherapy administered in non-pregnant population can only be used during the first trimester of pregnancy.