Pregnancy Saved My Life: A Case Of Ovarian Cancer and Pregnancy

Background:  Ovarian cancer can be a devastating diagnosis for any woman, but particularly for the pregnant woman who must make some difficult decisions regarding her pregnancy and treatment plan. The standard treatment for ovarian cancer is aggressive chemotherapy which attacks the rapidly dividing cells of the cancer. At the same time, the rapidly dividing cells of the vulnerable fetus are at risk from the treatment designed to eradicate the cancer. Our patient had multiple surgeries, including port placement, during her pregnancy, as well as multiple cycles of chemotherapy with its associated side effects, in order to treat her cancer. The nurses caring for her during her extended antenatal stay and her delivery learned a great deal about ovarian cancer treatment.

Case:  Patient A. B.,  with a history of infertility and endometriosis, received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Our case study will focus on her diagnosis, treatment plan, effects on maternal and fetal outcome, and her delivery and follow-up treatment.

Conclusion: Early detection of ovarian cancer and colloboration with a treatment team of obstetricians, oncologists, surgeons and nurses may lead to a positive outcome for mother and baby.    

Keywords: Ovarian cancer, chemotherapy, cancer in pregnancy