Tumors and Pregnancy: Cancer, Treatment and Molar Pregnancy

Tumors during pregnancy are rare, but they happen. A tumor can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Cancer during pregnancy

The most common are:

• breast cancer
• thyroid cancer
• cervical cancer
• lymphoma
• melanoma

Cancer itself rarely harms the fetus, and some treatments are safe during pregnancy. You and your provider choose treatment together, depending on how far along the pregnancy is and the cancer's type, size and stage.

Gestational trophoblastic disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a tumor that forms when a fertilized egg does not become a fetus.

• It is usually benign, but some types can be malignant.
• It is not always easy to find.
• The most common type is a molar pregnancy, which early on can look like a normal pregnancy.

See your provider if you have vaginal bleeding that is not your period.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of tumor, whether it has spread, and your overall health.

Sources

Based on "Tumors and Pregnancy," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.