Cervical Cancer Screening in Pregnancy

Cervical cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed during pregnancy. Nearly 3% of cases of newly diagnosed cervical cancer occur in pregnant women, probably because it is one of the few cancers for which screening is part of routine prenatal care. The prevalence of abnormal Pap test results in pregnancy does not differ from the age-matched nonpregnant population. In some populations, up to 20% of pregnant women have an abnormal Pap result during pregnancy. This article reviews the literature regarding diagnosis and management of cervical dysplasia and cancer in pregnancy.