BREAST CANCER DURING THE PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM PERIOD: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of neoplasm among women during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Given the peculiarities of this disease in this phase, this study aims to present the most recent evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The methodology used was a narrative review, consulting the SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases. Inclusion criteria involved selecting scientific articles in Portuguese and English that addressed the topic, published between 2005 and 2021, and freely available on those platforms. The results obtained demonstrate that the optimal period for breast examination in pregnant and postpartum women is during the first trimester of pregnancy, when breast changes are not yet pronounced. Ultrasound is the recommended imaging modality for breast evaluation during pregnancy. Biopsies should be performed whenever suspicious masses are found, with core biopsy being the preferred method during the pregnancy and postpartum cycle. Regarding breast cancer staging, the TNM system is used, with criteria identical to those for non-pregnant women. If diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy, mastectomy is the treatment of choice. Radiation therapy, when recommended, should be administered after delivery, and breastfeeding should be suspended in lactating cases. Anthracyclines are the first-line chemotherapy agents for pregnant women. In conclusion, breast cancer during the pregnancy and postpartum period presents unique conditions in its diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of breast evaluation during the first trimester of pregnancy.