Imaging Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer

Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC) distinguishes itself as a different diagnosis due to its unique presentation, diagnostic timetable, and risk factors. The extended duration of treatment and the unfavorable prognosis linked to PABC can be attributed to the delay in diagnosis and treatment. The delay results from the difficulty in interpreting gravid breast examinations and clinicians' hesitancy to perform imaging and treatment procedures on expectant patients. To prevent unnecessary stress on the patient and to mitigate harm to the fetus, accurate and expeditious imaging is necessary.

As the number of women delaying childbirth continues to increase, it is projected that number of PABC diagnoses will also increase. The most common symptom associated with PABC is a palpable mass.

This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the epidemiology and risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and imaging evaluation of pregnancy associated breast cancer.