Cancer and pregnancy

Carcinoma of the cervix is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in pregnancy. Still, it is an unusual situation. An abnormal Pap smear during pregnancy is a much more common occurrence and fortunately one that can be managed conservatively. Although definitive treatment for intraepithelial disease can be delayed until the postpartum period, diagnostic evaluation should be done when the abnormal Pap smear is present. Invasive cancer management is dependent on gestational age of the fetus. Pregnancy affords an excellent opportunity to screen for cervical neoplasia.