Abstract
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, in the first year postpartum, or during breastfeeding. Imaging techniques play a significant role in the diagnosis of PABC. It is a challenging diagnosis since physiological changes seen in pregnancy and breastfeeding may limit clinical suspicion and imaging utility. The patient's well-being and the fetus must be taken into consideration for diagnosis and treatment.
Highlights
EpidemiologyPregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, in the first year postpartum, or during breastfeeding [1]
Bilateral mammography is recommended in patients with clinical suspicion
Clinical suspicion and an adequate imaging approach are imperative in order to improve patient outcomes
Summary
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, in the first year postpartum, or during breastfeeding [1]. The patients' average age is 32-34 years, which is lower than the overall incidence of breast cancer. There is a higher incidence of poorly differentiated and inflammatory breast cancer in PABC compared to non-pregnant women [7]. Since there is an increase in the gland's nodularity associated with pregnancy, any mass that persists for more than two to four weeks should raise suspicion for malignancy and must be assessed initially by this imaging method. A gland in lactation has a rapid physiological enhancement after the administration of contrast medium with an early plateau, associated with the increase in physiological vascularity These findings should not be confused with malignancy (Figure 3). All the figures incorporated in the article have been presented at the European Congress of Radiology 2020 [13]
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