Epithelial ovarian cancer in pregnancy: a review of the literature.

Abstract

Maternal epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is rare, and consequently, management strategies remain unclear due to the low incidence and paucity of reported data. Management depends on gestation, disease stage, future fertility desires, and the mother's wishes to continue pregnancy. Forty-one cases of maternal EOC were identified in the literature. Reporting of clinicopathological variables, treatment regimens, and follow up varied markedly. There are currently no definitive guidelines regarding the management of maternal EOC. Case reporting should contain detailed information on clinicopathological variables, treatment regimens, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data centralisation may be beneficial in identifying optimal management strategies in these rare tumours.