Treatment of breast carcinoma during pregnancy

Breast cancer occuring during pregnancy is a rare clinical situation. A multidisciplinary approach is needed involving an obstetrician a medical oncologist and a surgeon. It should be treated according to the same principles applied in non pregnant patients. Abortion or termination of pregnancy don't improve survival. Decisions regarding abortion should be based on the desires of the patient and on therapeutic necessities. Surgery if necessary is always possible, radiation therapy should be avoided by reason of fetal toxicity, chemotherapy if absolutely necessary is possible after the first trimester.