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Breast Cancer During Pregnancy

  • Chapter
Breast Cancer

Part of the book series: M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series ((MDA))

Abstract

The concurrent diagnosis of breast cancer and pregnancy is a poignant clinical challenge. Historically, this situation has placed the welfare of the mother in conflict with that of the fetus. Because of the infrequent occurrence of simultaneous breast cancer and pregnancy, few clinicians have experience in providing information and support for the patient and her family. Often the first response is to recommend abortion. The literature about breast cancer during pregnancy is largely anecdotal, and no prospective analyses of a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment have been reported. The two primary concerns are treatment of the mother’s breast cancer and the impact of treatment decisions on the fetus and the outcome of the pregnancy. For the physician, the major concern is providing adequate information for truly informed consent in an area of clinical medicine with few data. The fear and anxiety engendered by the unknown future necessitate especially careful, thoughtful, and empathic support to minimize suffering.1

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Authors
  1. Richard L. Theriault
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Surgical Breast Section, Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Box 106, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    S. Eva Singletary M.D., FACS (Professor of Surgery, Chief) (Professor of Surgery, Chief)

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© 1999 Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.

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Theriault, R.L. (1999). Breast Cancer During Pregnancy. In: Singletary, S.E. (eds) Breast Cancer. M.D. Anderson Solid Tumor Oncology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2146-3_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2146-3_19

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7432-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-2146-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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