1.Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy: a Diagnostic and Management Challenge
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2014;13(1):77-80
Acute appendicitis is the most common extra-uterine surgical emergency encountered during pregnancy, but
an accurate diagnosis is still an enigma. Anatomical shifting of the appendix by the enlarging uterus makes
the clinical and sonographic diagnosis difficult. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent
perforation, which increases the risk of fetal and maternal death. Surgical intervention, either by an open
laparotomy or laparoscopy is the most appropriate treatment for appendicitis. This article reviews the
epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, investigation, complications and treatment of acute appendicitis in pregnancy.
2.Dilemma of Pregnant Ladies with Breast Cancer
Zainur Rashid Z ; S Sulaiha S A ; Lew K G ; Nurhana S
International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education 2009;3(2):3-7
Gestational breast cancer (GBC) or pregnancyassociated
breast cancer was defined as breast cancer
diagnosed during pregnancy and within 1 year of
delivery. Breast cancer is the second commonest cancer
after cervical seen in pregnancy and lactation.
Nevertheless, the incidence is low and accounts for
approximately 1 in 3000 of pregnancies. A delay in
diagnosis is common and 70% to 89% of patients with
operable primary lesions already have positive axillary
lymph nodes. Breast cancer identified during pregnancy
can be extremely distressing for the mother despite it
has similar course of disease and prognosis seen in nonpregnant
women of the same age and stage of disease.
Diagnostic and treatment options should be carefully
decided to prevent further harm to the mother or any
potential risk to the developing fetus.