Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed during pregnancy. Abnormal bleeding is the most common symptom followed by abnormal cervicovaginal cytologic tests in asymptomatic patients. Screening for cervical cancer is an important component of prenatal care. Many consensus guidelines recommend that all pregnant women undergo a Pap test at the time of their first prenatal checkup. Most of the patients with cervical cancer diagnosed during pregnancy (approximately 75%) have stage I tumors. Tumor size (stage) and nodal stage are important considerations for management of early stage carcinoma of cervix. Management is individualized based on tumor size and stage, patient age, trimester of pregnancy and desires of the patient (or couple) regarding the pregnancy. This article reviews the challenges and issues pertaining to cervical cancer in pregnancy.

Keywords: Cervix; Pregnancy; Cancer; Radiation.