Cancer in Pregnancy
Cancer in Pregnancy
Cancer in pregnancyis a rare but important condition in expectant mothers. Symptoms of pregnancy, some cancer symptoms may be similar. This similarity can lead to delayed diagnosis and disruption of treatment. In particular cancer risk in pregnancy It is of great importance that women carrying a child should not neglect regular medical check-ups during pregnancy. One of the experienced names in this field in Istanbul Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaşspecializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers encountered during pregnancy.
Which types of cancer can be seen during pregnancy?
Some types of cancer that can occur during pregnancy are
1. Cervical Cancer in Pregnancy (Cervical Cancer):
It is the most common type of gynecologic cancer during pregnancy. Pap Smear and HPV tests can be scanned with Bleeding after intercourse or unexpected vaginal bleedingmay indicate cervical cancer.
2. Ovarian Cancer in Pregnancy:
Ovarian masses can also be detected during pregnancy. Ovarian cancer in pregnancyis usually detected by ultrasound or MRI. In suspicious cases gynecologic oncologist evaluation is recommended.
3. Breast Cancer in Pregnancy:
It is one of the most common types of cancer in pregnancy. Especially palpable hardness or painless masses in the breast should be investigated.
4. Cancer of the vulva and uterus:
Although it is rare in pregnancy, attention should be paid especially in individuals with genetic predisposition.
What are the Symptoms of Cancer in Pregnancy?
Cancer symptoms during pregnancymay be confused with the usual changes associated with pregnancy. These symptoms may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Vaginal bleeding
- Palpable mass in the breast
- Stiffness or pain in the abdomen
- Persistent digestive problems
When such symptoms are noticed, a specialist physician should be consulted immediately.
How is cancer diagnosed during pregnancy?
Cancer diagnosis during pregnancyis possible with some limitations. Imaging modalities that involve radiation, such as tomography or PET, are generally not preferred in pregnant women. However:
- Ultrasound
- MRI (magnetic resonance)
- Blood tests
- Pap smear
- HPV test
- Colposcopy and biopsy
with safe diagnostic methods such as cancer in pregnancy diagnosis can be made. For example cervical cancer during pregnancycan be detected at an early stage with regular screenings during pregnancy.
How to Treat Cancer During Pregnancy?
Cancer treatment during pregnancyis planned with the health of both mother and baby in mind. In this process:
- Surgical treatmentcan be safely applied in early or late pregnancy.
- Can chemotherapy be used during pregnancy? the question is often asked. Yes, in some cases chemotherapy can be administered from the 2nd trimester.
- Radiotherapy is usually postponed until after delivery.
- Hormone therapiesis not preferred in pregnancy.
These decisions should be made by a multidisciplinary team based on tumor type, stage and gestational age.
Does Cancer During Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
When cancer treatments during pregnancy are carefully planned, the risk of harm to the baby can be minimized. For example, ovarian cancer in pregnancy surgical interventions can often be performed without affecting pregnancy. In the same way breast cancer in pregnancy healthy birth is also possible with appropriate treatment planning.
Does Pregnancy Increase Cancer Risk?
Pregnancy does not directly increase the risk of cancer. However, hormonal changes can make it harder to detect an existing tumor or accelerate the growth of some types of cancer. For this reason, individuals who are particularly at risk should be regularly monitored during pregnancy.
Does Cancer Affect Childbirth?
Cancer in pregnancycan affect the way you give birth. Especially in cancers affecting the birth canal, such as cervical cancer caesarean section is preferred. Birth planning is done taking into account the course of the pregnancy, the development of the baby and the stage of the cancer.
Cancer and Breastfeeding
The breastfeeding status of mothers undergoing treatment depends on the treatment. Only mothers who have undergone surgery can usually breastfeed, chemotherapy breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers who are taking the drug. In any case, the decision regarding breastfeeding should be made after a physician's assessment.
Cancer Treatment Prices during Pregnancy
Treatment fees vary according to the treatment method to be applied, the nature of the hospital and the patient's condition. For detailed information and evaluation about cancer treatment during pregnancy in Istanbul Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaş you can contact us.
Endometrial Cancer
Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaş: Cancer during pregnancy is rare but possible. The most common breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer with cancer. Some symptoms during pregnancy can be confused with cancer. Therefore, complaints such as unexpected bleeding and a palpable mass in the breast should be evaluated.
Safe treatment is also possible in pregnancy with early diagnosis. If necessary, chemotherapy or surgical treatment can be planned by considering the health of the mother and the baby. The important thing is not to see pregnancy as a barrier to examination and not to neglect regular check-ups.
Remember, cancer in pregnancy can be treated. Early diagnosis is the best chance for a healthy birth and successful treatment.
Gynecologist Oncologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sema Karakaş, who has a certificate in health tourism, is among the leading specialists in Turkey with robotic surgery applications in the field of gynecology oncology in Istanbul.
- +90 542 139 7218
- Ataköy 7-8-9-10, Kısim Mh. Çobançeşme E-5 Side Road Cd. No: 22/2/283 BAKIRKÖY / ISTANBUL
- www.semakarakas.com
- info@semakarakas.com
