Author(s)

Anne-Beatrice Kihara, Kiarie Gladwell, Cheserem J. Eunice, Amin Medhat, Bashir Issak, Rogena Emily, Kosgei J. Rose

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
Division of Reproductive Health, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Kenya.

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 optimization of maternal and fetal outcomes. The case report presented is of a 36 years old, Para 0 + 2 known diabetic and hypertensive pregnant woman, 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 Cancer 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 opportunities in antenatal clinic settings for screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the breast in pregnancy. The role of a multidisciplinary approach to management has also been emphasized.

Pregnancy; Breast Cancer; Screening; Multidisciplinary Management

Kihara, A. , Gladwell, K. , Eunice, C. , Medhat, A. , Issak, B. , Emily, R. and Rose, K. (2013) Breast cancer in pregnancy; routine examination, diagnosis and management: A case report. Case Reports in Clinical Medicine, 2, 119-122. doi: 10.4236/crcm.2013.22031.