Head and neck cancer during pregnancy

Background The incidence of cancer during pregnancy is low but is slightly increasing. Data on incidence and etiology of head and neck (HN) cancers in pregnant women are rare. We evaluated the frequency, tumor type, associated factors, and specific biomarkers in HN cancers occurring in pregnant (and peripartum) women. Methods A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, for any HN tumor site occurring in pregnant women. Results Sixty cases of HN cancers occurring during pregnancy were identified. Most of them were oral cavity cancers. Relationships with oncogenic viruses, hormonal disturbance, and shift in maternal immunity profile were identified. Conclusion Carcinogenesis of HN cancers in pregnant women may be led by different cancer type-specific hallmarks. Relevance of these etiological factors with respect to treatments and birth control recommendations is being investigated by the REFCOR in an ambispective study.