Ovarian cancer during pregnancy - descriptions of the three cases and current diagnostic and treatment algorithms

Abstract

Introduction Malignant tumours are rarely diagnosed during pregnancy, and their prevalence range from 2.4% to5.7%. Ovarian cancer is ranked fifth of all types of cancer and second of all genital cancers diagnosed during pregnancy. In most cases, the course of this disease is symptomless, and usually initial diagnose is made during routine ultrasound examinations. Management of ovarian cancer during pregnancy is a great challenge due to the fact that no clear standards of treatment have been developed so far. The objective of this work This work presents three clinical cases of patients suffered from ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. , a review of the literature, and the possible therapeutic options. Results Three different clinical scenarios in patients with ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy has been presented. In addition we reviewed current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms in patients with ovarian cancer and co-existing pregnancy was made. Conclusions Approximately 5% of diagnosed ovarian tumours are malignant. There are no treatment standards in the case of ovarian cancer during pregnancy. Both surgical treatment and the subsequent chemotherapy in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy appear to be safe for the mother and the child. However, the potential risks and benefits associated with the treatment have to be thoroughly analysed on a case-by-case basis, to establish diagnostic and treatment algorithms optimal for every patient.