Clinical, histological and radiological findings of invasive ductal carcinoma in a pregnant woman

Abstract

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is defined as a breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within one year postpartum. It is an under-studied entity, despite its increased incidence due to the tendency to extend the age of the first gestation.The major issue regarding breast cancer in pregnant women is the delay in diagnosis, both due to glandular and ductal hyperplasia typical of pregnancy, as well as the physician's uncertainty about the diagnostic approach, fearing harmful effects on the fetus, thus leading to a worse prognosis. We report the case of a pregnant patient with invasive ductal carcinoma, suspected by palpation during physical examination and confirmed after histological study of the fragment obtained by ultrasound-guided core biopsy, with subsequent staging with magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this report was to discuss the correct investigative management of a case of invasive ductal carcinoma associated with pregnancy, aiming at reducing morbidity and mortality.