Ioannides C
Ιaso hospital, Athens, Greece
Correspondence: Ioannides Charis, 18 Ioannou Gennadiou St, GR-11521 Athens, Greece. E-mail: ioannidc@otenet.gr
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has been linked to female hormones and pregnancy. Despite some existing controversy, it is generally accepted that administration of contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy is not contraindicated in women with a history of melanoma. Female patients should postpone pregnancy for two-three years post treatment. Pregnancy does not seem to negatively influence the prognosis of the disease. Pregnant women presenting with melanoma are treated according to internationally accepted guidelines, depending on the age of pregnancy. Metastases of maternal melanoma to the placenta or the fetus are rare.
Keywords: malignant melanoma, female hormones, pregnancy
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