The Management of Breast Symptoms in the Pregnant and Lactating Patient

With a trend toward childbearing at more advanced ages, the incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is expected to increase. Nevertheless, the majority of breast disorders in pregnant patients are the same as those in nonpregnant patients, with a few unique exceptions. Although many of the presenting symptoms are similar, the physiologic changes of pregnancy pose unique diagnostic challenges for the obstetrician, gynecologist, and radiologist, which may contribute to a delay in diagnosis of breast cancer. Awareness of benign and malignant breast disorders and a familiarity with current recommendations for the diagnostic imaging evaluation of breast symptoms in the pregnant patient may aid in earlier detection of pregnancy-associated breast cancer and improve outcomes for these women.