Cancer during pregnancy is very rare, but sometimes you can be diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy. Additionally, it is possible to become pregnant while receiving cancer treatment. Most of the time, being pregnant won't accelerate the growth of cancer in your body. Hormone alterations can occasionally promote particular tumors, such as melanoma, but this seldom happens. Naturally, the most typical cancers in pregnant women are identical to the most typical cancers in younger women. They consist of melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, colon, ovarian, breast, cervical, and thyroid cancers. Although they are extremely rare, other cancers like lung, brain, and bone cancer can also develop during pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms and some cancer symptoms can occasionally coexist, which might delay a diagnosis. The following symptoms are typical of both pregnancy and some cancers. These are - bloating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, breast alterations, and rectal bleeding. Gestational trophoblastic disorders are a rare class of conditions that affect pregnant women and are brought on by the unnatural proliferation of uterine cells called trophoblasts. They begin in the first trimester of pregnancy and are connected to it. In rare instances, some kinds can metastasis (spread) and result in death. Cancer is frequently discovered during pregnancy when a person experiences a new lump, a new discomfort, or detects other physical changes that prompt a visit to the doctor. Exams and lab tests performed as part of routine treatment during a pregnancy occasionally reveal something abnormal that ends up becoming cancer.
Pregnancy-related cancer is a rather rare event. According to statistics, one in every 1,000 pregnant women receives a cancer diagnosis. However, scientists anticipate a rise in the number of cancer-positive pregnant women. This is due to the fact that more individuals are delaying parenthood until they are older, and as you get older, your risk of having most malignancies rises. One of the most prevalent cancers during pregnancy is breast cancer. There are approximately 3,000 pregnant women who will receive this diagnosis.
As was already noted, it might be challenging to diagnose cancer because pregnancy and cancer symptoms often coincide. However, some diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and doctor-performed biopsies, which are safe for both the mother and the foetus. The foetus is unharmed by X-rays because of their low radioactive content. To safeguard the infant, surgeons continue to place a shield over the abdomen. Rays from a CT scan are more potent. In the same way that pregnancy test kit results are precise, a CT scan may precisely identify cancer in the body and also reveal the areas where it is spreading. A CT scan of the head or neck is secure, but one of the abdomen or pelvis should only be performed if absolutely necessary. Speaking with your doctor will benefit you more, so listen to what they have to say and follow their advice.
Extreme caution must be taken while operating on a pregnant patient for cancer. A group of medical professionals, including obstetricians and oncologists, collaborate to offer you the most effective course of therapy. They consider a number of variables, including the type, size, and stage of the malignancy, and may make therapy recommendations in accordance. The safest treatment that doesn't harm you or your unborn child is surgery and chemotherapy. Your medical team may also suggest starting your treatment after the birth of your child rather than during the first trimester.
Unborn children are unaffected by cancer treatment. The outcome of treatment may be affected if cancer is discovered later. After the baby is born, the mother can continue her treatment. Breastfeeding is not advised if a mother is receiving chemotherapy since there is a potential that the medications will pass to the child. The way that cancer is treated is always changing as a result of advances in medicine. In addition to studying the drug's mechanism of action, side effects, and concentration in breastmilk, researchers are constantly looking for new treatments. Consult your doctor when the pregnancy detection kit test yields positive findings. If you have any questions, it is usually preferable to speak with an expert because they will be more equipped to assist you. They will give you the best care possible while taking your health and the wellbeing of your unborn child into consideration.