Mastectomy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Mastectomy, including details on breast cancer, prosthesis, recovery, surgery, complications.

Local recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ after skin-sparing mastectomy.

Carlson GW, Page A, Johnson E, Nicholson K, Styblo TM, Wood WC

Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA, USA. grant_carlson@emory.org

BACKGROUND: The incidence of local recurrence (LR) after conventional total mastectomy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ranges from 1% to 3%. Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) preserves the native skin envelope to facilitate immediate breast reconstruction. Because DCIS is generally not clinically apparent, there is a potential for inadequate excision when SSM is performed. Risk factors for local recurrence after SSM for DCIS are examined. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 223 consecutive patients with DCIS treated by SSM and immediate reconstruction was performed. Age younger than 50 years, tumor size > 40 mm, high tumor grade, tumor necrosis, surgical margins < 1 mm, type of biopsy (excisional versus core), and SSM type were examined as risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: Mean followup was 82.3 months (range 4.9 to 123.2 months). Recurrences developed in 11 patients (5.1%), including: local (n = 7; 3.3%), regional (n = 2; 0.9%), and distant (n = 2; 0.9%). All seven local recurrences were detected by physical examination. No patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. Two of 19 patients with surgical margins < 1 mm developed LR (10.5%). Univariate analysis showed high tumor grade (p = .019) to influence LR. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of local recurrence of DCIS after SSM is similar to conventional total mastectomy. Reexcision of close margins should be performed if possible and adjuvant radiation therapy should be considered.

Published 7 May 2007 in J Am Coll Surg, 204(5): 1074-8; discussion 1078-80.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Mastectomy Research Today. All Rights Reserved.