SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF BREAST MASSES IN PREGNANT-WOMEN

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to review the outcomes of breast biopsies in pregnant women in order to plan optimum management strate gies for pregnant women with breast masses. STUDY DESIGN: From January 1990 to October 1992, 17 pregnant women underwent breast biopsy at a university hospital. Parameters evaluated were (1) trimester at presen tation, (2) timing of biopsy, (3) mode of anesthesia, (4) requirements for tocolytics, and (5) histology of the lesion. RESULTS: Antepartum biopsy was performed on all 11 patients who presented in the first or second trimester. Biopsy was accomplished postpartum in four of five p atients presenting in the third trimester. Only one patient required t ocolysis (associated with biopsy followed by immediate mastectomy). Hi stologic diagnosis was predominantly lactating adenoma (13 of 17 patie nts). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that breast biopsy can be safely performed on pregnant women. We recommend that women presenting with breast masses in the first or second trimester undergo antepartu m biopsy. We recommend postpartum excision for masses presenting in th e latter half of the third trimester. For those presenting in the firs t half of the third trimester; fine needle aspiration biopsy may be a suitable alternative, particularly for the mass suspicious for cancer.