Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed During Pregnancy: Treatment Methods and Coagulation Abnormalities

Malignant tumors affect ~6% of ovarian cancer (OC) patients in early-to-mid-stage pregnancies. Studies reveal that through sessions of ultrasound during pregnancy, early diagnosis and containment become a possibility. Review of primary case studies of patients with OC during pregnancy (both first-time pregnancy and history of miscarriage) suggests that the primary end-goal for the mother is to protect the baby first and foremost. Due to this, the treatment program is designed to cater specific patient’s needs. Yet, on the basis of outcomes of studies, there are three significant treatment/management possibilities which have had successful track record: surgery, systemic chemotherapy/radiotherapy, and chemotherapeutic medications. Coagulation abnormalities in OC patients diagnosed during pregnancies are manifested by a low-grade form of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Such complications may particularly result in damage to the fetus and to the mother also. OC has one of the highest incidence rates of thrombotic events, and hypercoagulability/thrombophilia is a common indicator. Factors that contribute to the activation of coagulation in OC primarily include non-specific mechanisms such as tissue damage, inflammatory responses, and prolonged immobilization, especially during hospitalization. This minireview attempts to provide information on clinical studies which uncover specific treatment procedures in patients with OC compounded by pregnancy.