Breast cancer in pregnancy; routine examination, diagnosis and management: A case report

Abstract

Pregnancy associated breast cancer is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or in the first postpartum year. The incidence is rare; however it is important to be aware of its occurrence with the increased challenges posed by delays in diagnosis, treatment and optimiza- tion of maternal and fetal outcomes. The case report presented is of a 36 years old, Para 0 + 2 known diabetic and hypertensive pregnant wo- man, first seen in the antenatal clinic at 14 weeks of gestation. The patient requested for a breast examination following National campaigns conducted during the International Breast Can- cer Awareness month. The examination revealed a grossly enlarged right breast with “peau de orange” skin changes. The patient eventually underwent radical mastectomy. Histopathology revealed a grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion (Stage TNM). This case is presented to highlight missed opportu- nities in antenatal clinic settings for screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the breast in pregnancy. The role of a multidisciplinary ap- proach to management has also been empha- sized.