Malignant melanoma in Pregnancy

Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer, usually of the skin but occasionally arising from the eye.

It tends to arise from pigmented "birthmarks" but can appear anywhere on the skin surface.

Importance of malignant melanoma in pregnancy

This type of cancer is relatively common in pregnancy, affecting up to 1 in every 400 pregnant women;

It is probably the one malignancy that is definitely known to be adversely affected by pregnancy, being more aggressive at this time; and

It is one of the very rare forms of cancer which could metastasize (extend to) the placenta and/or the fetus.

On a positive note, regression of the cancer can occur following the end of the pregnancy.

Pigmented birthmarks in pregnancy

It is fair to say that most birthmarks will remain innocent and without any changes throughout life.

It is, however, prudent to ask a doctor to look at a birthmark, not only before conception but early in life, to see if it may have potential for malignant transformation.

Any changes to such lesions, however innocuous they may seem, require immediate medical attention. Such changes may be an increase in size, a change in shape or color, or development of irritation/itchiness.

There is no time to waste because malignant melanoma can be incredibly aggressive.

Treatment for malignant melanoma diagnosed in pregnancy

As in the non-pregnant state, surgery is the mainstay. There is usually no need to terminate the pregnancy. If the disease is discovered at a late stage and surgery is unable to remove the disease entirely, chemotherapy is supplemented. This is not very effective. Radiotherapy is hardly ever useful.

Leukemia in pregnancy: next Page

Malignant melanoma commonly arises from a skin birthmark (above) but can also arise in the eye (below)

Malignant melanoma in the iris part of the eye