Low Cancer Occurrence Rate following Prophylactic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has become widely available for breast cancer prophylaxis. There are limited data on its long-term oncologic safety. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of breast cancer in patients who underwent prophylactic NSM. METHODS: All patients undergoing prophylactic NSM at a single institution from 2006 through 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic factors, genetic predispositions, mastectomy specimen pathology, and oncologic occurrences at follow-up were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed where necessary to classify demographic factors and oncologic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 871 prophylactic NSMs were performed on 641 patients, with median follow-up of 82.0 months (standard error 1.24). A total of 94.4% of patients ( n = 605) underwent bilateral NSMs, although only the prophylactic mastectomy was considered. The majority of mastectomy specimens (69.6%) had no identifiable pathology. A total of 38 specimens (4.4%) had cancer identified in mastectomy specimens, with ductal carcinoma in situ being the most common (92.1%; n = 35). Multifocal or multicentric disease was observed in seven cases (18.4%) and lymphovascular invasion was identified in two (5.3%). One patient (0.16%), who was a BRCA2 variant carrier, was found to have breast cancer 6.5 years after prophylactic mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Overall primary oncologic occurrence rates are very low in high-risk patients undergoing prophylactic NSM. In addition to reducing the risk of oncologic occurrence, prophylactic surgery itself may be therapeutic in a small proportion of patients. Continued surveillance for these patients remains important to assess at longer follow-up intervals. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, IV.

No Cancer Occurrences in 10-year Follow-up after Prophylactic Nipple-sparing Mastectomy.

Prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) have become increasingly common, although there is little long-term data on its efficacy in prevention of breast cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of breast cancer in a cohort of patients undergoing prophylactic NSM with a median follow-up of 10 years. Methods: Patients receiving prophylactic NSM at a single institution from 2006 to 2019 were included in a retrospective nature. Patient demographics, genetic mutations, operative details, and specimen pathology were recorded, and all postoperative patient visits and documentation were screened for cancer occurrence. Descriptive statics were performed where appropriate. Results: Two hundred eighty-four prophylactic NSMs were performed on 228 patients with a median follow-up of 120.5 ± 15.7 months. Roughly, a third of patients had a known genetic mutation, with 21% BRCA1 and 12% BRCA2. The majority (73%) of prophylactic specimens had no abnormal pathology. The most commonly observed pathologies were atypical lobular hyperplasia (10%) and ductal carcinoma in situ (7%). Cancer was identified in 10% of specimens, with only one case of lymphovascular invasion. Thus far, there have been no incidences of locoregional breast cancer occurrence in this cohort. Conclusions: The long-term breast cancer occurrence rate in this cohort of prophylactic NSM patients at the time of this study is negligible. Despite this, continued surveillance of these patients is necessary until lifetime risk of occurrence following NSM has been established.

Long-Term Cancer Recurrence Rates following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increased use of nipple-sparing mastectomies, there are limited data examining long-term cancer recurrence rates in these patients. The objective of this study was to analyze breast cancer recurrence in patients who underwent therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomy with a median of 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: All patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed temporally to obtain a median of 10 years of follow-up. Patient demographic factors, mastectomy specimen pathologic findings, and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for locoregional recurrence. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed on 120 patients. The most frequently observed tumor histology included invasive ductal carcinoma (48.4 percent) and ductal carcinoma in situ (38.1 percent). Mean tumor size was 1.62 cm. Multifocal or multicentric disease and lymphovascular invasion were present in 31.0 percent and 10.3 percent of nipple-sparing mastectomy specimens, respectively. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 84.9 percent of nipple-sparing mastectomies, and 17.8 percent were positive. The rate of positive frozen subareolar biopsy was 7.3 percent ( n = 82) and that of permanent subareolar pathology was 9.5 percent ( n = 126). The most frequently observed pathologic tumor stages were stage I (44.6 percent) and stage 0 (33.9 percent). The incidence of recurrent disease was 3.17 percent per mastectomy and 3.33 percent per patient. On univariate analysis, no demographic, operative, or tumor-specific variables were independent risk factors for locoregional recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Overall recurrence rates are low in patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy at a median follow-up of 10-years. Close surveillance should remain a goal for patients and their providers to promptly identify potential recurrence. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Gender-affirming Mastectomy with Concurrent Oncologic Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Transmasculine individuals may not have undergone gender-affirming mastectomy and retain natal breast tissue. Our center offers simultaneous oncologic mastectomy with gender-affirming reconstruction to patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer. This study is the first reported series of concurrent gender-affirming and oncologic mastectomies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy at a single institution from February 2017 to October 2021 was performed. Patients were included who had breast cancer diagnoses or pathologic lesions preoperatively. Demographic factors, comorbidities, surgical details, and oncologic history were collected. Both plastic surgery and breast surgery were present for the gender-affirming oncologic mastectomies. RESULTS: Five patients were identified who presented for gender-affirming mastectomy in the context of breast pathologies. Average patient age was 50.2 ± 14.8 years, and no patients used testosterone at any time. Two (40%) patients had a prior breast surgery that included a breast reduction in one patient and breast conserving lumpectomies in another. Sentinel lymph node biopsies were performed in all patients. Only one patient had a positive sentinel lymph node and was subsequently referred for postoperative radiation and chemotherapy. No oncologic recurrence has been detected with 20.6 and 10.0 months of mean and median follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: When performed in a multidisciplinary and collaborative setting with breast surgeons and plastic surgeons, oncologic mastectomy can be performed safely while concurrently offering patients an aesthetic gender-affirming reconstructive outcome.

Oncologic Considerations for Safe Gender-Affirming Mastectomy: Preoperative Imaging, Pathologic Evaluation, Counseling, and Long-Term Screening.

SUMMARY: There remain significant gaps in the evidence-based care of patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy with regard to implications for breast cancer development and screening. The current clinical evidence does not demonstrate an increased risk of breast cancer secondary to testosterone therapy in transgender patients. Gender-affirmation mastectomy techniques vary significantly with regard to the amount of residual breast tissue left behind, which has unknown implications for the incidence of postoperative breast cancer and need for screening. Subcutaneous mastectomy should aim to remove all gross breast parenchyma, although this is limited in certain techniques. Tissue specimens should also be routinely sent for pathologic analysis. Several cases of incidental breast cancer after subcutaneous mastectomy have been described. There is little evidence on the need for or types of postoperative cancer screening. Chest awareness is an important concept for patients that have undergone subcutaneous mastectomies, as clinical examination remains the most common reported method of postmastectomy malignancy detection. In patients with greater known retained breast tissue, such as those with circumareolar or pedicled techniques, consideration may be given to alternative imaging modalities, although the efficacy and cost-utility of these techniques must still be proven. Preoperative patient counseling on the risk of breast cancer after gender-affirming mastectomy in addition to the unknown implications of residual breast tissue and long-term androgen exposure is critical. Patient awareness and education play an important role in shared decision-making, as further research is needed to define standards of medical and oncologic care in this population.

Accurate Estrogen Receptor Quantification in Patients with Negative and Low-Positive Estrogen-Receptor-Expressing Breast Tumors: Sub-Analyses of Data from Two Clinical Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate assessment of estrogen receptor (ER) expression is crucial to ensure that patients with early breast cancer are accurately identified for appropriate treatment with endocrine therapy. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), compared with immunohistochemistry (IHC), may provide a more precise indication of ER status. Data were pooled and analyzed from two independent, but similarly designed, studies that examined ER status by IHC and the 21-gene Recurrence Score that employs RT-PCR-based methodology. METHODS: Tumor tissue from patients with early stage breast cancer where ER status could be determined by both IHC and RT-PCR was included. ER status by IHC staining was defined as ER-negative (< 1%), ER-low+ (1-10%), or ER+ (> 10%). ER status by RT-PCR was defined as ER-negative (≤ 6.5) or ER+ (> 6.5). Recurrence Score results from the 21-gene assay were reported on a continuous scale from 0 to 100. A sub-analysis examined the association between ER expression (Allred score 2-7) and response to a 14-day pre-surgery pulse with an aromatase inhibitor. A separate sub-analysis examined the association between ER expression and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. RESULTS: Tumor specimens from 192 patients (aged 25-92 years) were included in the pooled analysis. Correlation between IHC- and RT-PCR-measured ER was strong for IHC-defined ER-negative and ER+ samples (r = 0.646 [95% CI 0.553-0.720]). There was 100% concordance for ER+ tumors; however, 56% of the ER-low+ tumors were negative by RT-PCR. Allred score correlated better with ER status measured by RT-PCR at pre-treatment (r = 0.83) than at post-treatment (r = 0.76). The majority (77%) of ER-negative and ER-low+ tumors were HER2-negative. CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR provided a more accurate assessment of ER expression in patients with ER-low+ tumors, and data support dual testing for patients with ER-low+ status to ensure appropriate treatment planning as it pertains to endocrine therapy. FUNDING: Genomic Health, Inc.

Oncologic Trends, Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Locoregional Recurrence: An Analysis of Tumor-to-Nipple Distance and Critical Factors in Therapeutic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Oncologic outcomes with nipple-sparing mastectomy continue to be established. The authors examine oncologic trends, outcomes, and risk factors, including tumor-to-nipple distance, in therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomies. METHODS: Demographics, outcomes, and overall trends for all nipple-sparing mastectomies performed for a therapeutic indication from 2006 to 2017 were analyzed. Oncologic outcomes were investigated with specific focus on recurrence and associated factors, including tumor-to-nipple distance. RESULTS: A total of 496 therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed, with an average follow-up time of 48.25 months. The most common tumor types were invasive carcinoma (52.4 percent) and ductal carcinoma in situ (50.4 percent). Sentinel lymph node sampling was performed in 79.8 percent of nipple-sparing mastectomies; 4.1 percent had positive frozen sentinel lymph node biopsy results, whereas 15.7 percent had positive nodal status on permanent pathologic examination. The most common pathologic cancer stage was stage IA (42.5 percent) followed by stage 0 (31.3 percent). The rate of local recurrence was 1.6 percent (n = 8), and the rate of regional recurrence was 0.6 percent (n = 3). In all, 171 nipple-sparing mastectomies had magnetic resonance imaging available with which to assess tumor-to-nipple distance. Tumor-to-nipple distance of 1 cm or less (25.0 percent versus 2.4 percent; p = 0.0031/p = 0.1129) and of 2 cm or less (8.7 percent versus 2.0 percent; p = 0.0218/p = 0.1345) trended to higher rates of locoregional recurrence. In univariate analysis, tumor-to-nipple distance of 1 cm or less was the only significant risk factor for recurrence (OR, 13.5833; p = 0.0385). No factors were significant in regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In early stage and in situ breast carcinoma, therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomy appears oncologically safe, with a locoregional recurrence rate of 2.0 percent. Tumor-to-nipple distances of 1 cm or less and 2 cm or less trended to higher recurrence rates. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Nipple-sparing Mastectomy and Sub-areolar Biopsy: To Freeze or not to Freeze? Evaluating the Role of Sub-areolar Intraoperative Frozen Section.

Use of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) for risk-reduction and therapeutic breast cancer resection is growing. The role for intraoperative frozen section of the nipple-areolar complex remains controversial. Records of patients undergoing NSM at our institution from 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. Records from 501 nipple-sparing mastectomies were reviewed (216 therapeutic, 285 prophylactic). Of the 480 breasts with sub-areolar biopsies, 307 had intraoperative frozen sections and 173 were evaluated with permanent paraffin section only. Among the 307 intraoperative frozen sections, 12 biopsies were positive on permanent paraffin section (3.9% or 12/307). Of the 12 positive permanent biopsies, five were false negative and the remaining seven concordant intraoperatively. Sensitivity and specificity of sub-areolar frozen section were 0.58 and 1, respectively. Positive sub-areolar biopsies consisted primarily of ductal carcinoma in situ (62% or 13/21). The nipples or nipple-areolar complex were resected in a separate procedure following mastectomy (10/21), intraoperatively following frozen section results (7/21) or during second-stage breast reconstruction (3/21; 1 additional scheduled). Only 30% (6/20) of resected specimens had abnormal residual pathology. Intraoperative frozen section is highly specific and moderately sensitive for the detection of positive sub-areolar biopsies in NSM. Its use can help guide intraoperative reconstructive planning. The presence of positive sub-areolar biopsies in both contralateral and high-risk prophylactic mastectomy specimens emphasizes the need to perform sub-areolar biopsies in all nipple-sparing mastectomies.

Oncologic outcomes after nipple-sparing mastectomy: A single-institution experience.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term oncologic outcomes in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) continue to be defined. Rates of locoregional recurrence for skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and NSM in the literature range from 0% to 14.3%. We investigated the outcomes of NSM at our institution. METHODS: Patients undergoing NSM at our institution from 2006 to 2014 were identified and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2014, 319 patients (555 breasts) underwent NSM. One-hundered and fourty-one patients (237 breasts) had long-term follow-up available. Average patient age and BMI were 47.78 and 24.63. Eighty-four percent of patients underwent mastectomy primarily for a therapeutic indication. Average tumor size was 1.50 cm with the most common histologic type being invasive ductal carcinoma (62.7%) followed by DCIS (23.7%). Average patient follow-up was 30.73 months. There was one (0.8%) incidence of ipsilateral chest-wall recurrence. There were 0.37 complications per patient. CONCLUSIONS: We examined our institutional outcomes with NSM and found a locoregional recurrence rate of 0.8% with no nipple-areolar complex recurrence. This rate is lower than published rates for both NSM and SSM.

Cost Analysis of Intraoperative Subareolar Frozen Section During Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Permanent paraffin subareolar biopsy during nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) tests for occult cancer at the nipple-areolar complex. Intraoperative subareolar frozen section can provide earlier detection intraoperatively. Cost analysis for intraoperative subareolar frozen section has never been performed. METHODS: NSM cases from 2006-2013 were reviewed. Patient records including financial charges were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 480 subareolar biopsies for NSM from 2006-2013, 21 were abnormal (4.4 %). A total of 307 of the subareolar biopsies included intraoperative frozen section. Of the 307, 12 (3.9 %) were abnormal with 7 of 12 detected on intraoperative frozen section. The median baseline charge for an intraoperative subareolar frozen section was $309 for an estimated total cost of $94,863 in 307 breasts. The median baseline charge for interval operative resection of a nipple-areolar complex following an abnormal subareolar pathology result was $11,021. Intraoperative subareolar biopsy avoided an estimated six return trips to the operating room for savings of $66,126. At our institution, routine use of intraoperative frozen section resulted in an additional $28,737 in healthcare charges or $95 per breast. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first cost analysis to evaluate intraoperative subareolar frozen section in NSM. This practice obviated an estimated six return trips to the operating room. With our institutional frequency of abnormal subareolar pathology, intraoperative frozen sections resulted in a marginal increased charge per mastectomy.

Insulin-like growth factor-I inhibition with pasireotide decreases cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in pre-malignant lesions of the breast: a phase 1 proof of principle trial.

INTRODUCTION: Estrogen inhibition is effective in preventing breast cancer in only up to 50% of women with precancerous lesions and many experience side effects that are poorly tolerated. As insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) underlies both estrogen and progesterone actions and has other direct effects on mammary development and carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that IGF-I inhibition might provide a novel approach for breast cancer chemoprevention. METHODS: In total, 13 women with core breast biopsies diagnostic of atypical hyperplasia (AH) were treated for 10 days with pasireotide, a somatostatin analog which uniquely inhibits IGF-I action in the mammary gland. They then had excision biopsies. 12 patients also had proliferative lesions and one a ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Primary outcomes were changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis after treatment. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and phosphorylated Insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-1R), protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) were also assessed. Core and excision biopsies from 14 untreated patients served as non-blinded controls. Hyperglycemia and other side effects were carefully monitored. RESULTS: Pasireotide decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in all AH (from 3.6 ± 2.6% to 1.3 ± 1.2% and from 0.3 ± 0.2% to 1.5 ± 1.6%, respectively) and proliferative lesions (from 3.8 ± 2.5% to 1.8 ± 1.8% and from 0.3 ± 0.2% to 1.3 ± 0.6%, respectively). The DCIS responded similarly. ER and PR were not affected by pasireotide, while IGF-1R, ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation decreased significantly. In contrast, tissue from untreated controls showed no change in cell proliferation or phosphorylation of IGF-1R, AKT or ERK 1/2. Mild to moderate hyperglycemia associated with reduced insulin levels was found. Glucose fell into the normal range after discontinuing treatment. Pasireotide was well tolerated and did not cause symptoms of estrogen deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: IGF-I inhibition by pasireotide, acting through the IGF-1R, was associated with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in pre-malignant breast lesions and one DCIS. Assuming hyperglycemia can be controlled, these data suggest that inhibiting the IGF-I pathway may prove an effective alternative for breast cancer chemoprevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01372644 Trial date: July 1, 2007.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with prior breast irradiation: are patients at higher risk for reconstructive complications?

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction in the setting of prior breast irradiation is conventionally considered a higher-risk procedure. Limited data exist regarding nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, a higher-risk procedure in higher-risk patients. METHODS: The authors identified and reviewed the records of 501 nipple-sparing mastectomy breasts at their institution from 2006 to 2013. RESULTS: Of 501 nipple-sparing mastectomy breasts, 26 were irradiated. The average time between radiation and mastectomy was 12 years. Reconstruction methods in the 26 breasts included tissue expander (n=14), microvascular free flap (n=8), direct implant (n=2), latissimus dorsi flap with implant (n=1), and rotational perforator flap (n=1). Rate of return to the operating room for mastectomy flap necrosis was 11.5 percent (three of 26). Nipple-areola complex complications included one complete necrosis (3.8 percent) and one partial necrosis (3.8 percent). Complications were compared between this subset of previously irradiated patients and the larger nipple-sparing mastectomy cohort. There was no significant difference in body mass index, but the irradiated group was significantly older (51 years versus 47.2 years; p=0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with regard to mastectomy flap necrosis (p=0.46), partial nipple-areola complex necrosis (p=1.00), complete nipple-areola complex necrosis (p=0.47), implant explantation (p=0.06), hematoma (p=1.00), seroma (p=1.00), or capsular contracture (p=1.00). CONCLUSION: In the largest study to date of nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, the authors demonstrate that implant-based and autologous reconstruction can be performed with complications comparable to those of the rest of their nipple-sparing mastectomy patients.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy: how safe is it?

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy has gained popularity, but the question remains of whether it can be offered safely to women with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. The authors present their experience with nipple-sparing mastectomy in this patient population. METHODS: Patients at the authors' institution who had reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy before nipple-sparing mastectomy were identified. Outcomes measured include nipple-areola complex viability, mastectomy flap necrosis, infection, presence of cancer in the nipple-areola complex, and breast cancer recurrence. RESULTS: The records of the nipple-sparing mastectomy patients at the authors' institution from 2006 through 2012 were reviewed. The authors identified 13 breasts in eight patients that had nipple-sparing mastectomy following reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. Within this subset of patients, the mean age was 46.6 years and the mean body mass index was 25.1. Nine of 13 breasts had therapeutic resections, whereas the remaining four were for prophylactic indications. Average time elapsed between reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy and nipple-sparing mastectomy was 51.8 months (range, 33 days to 11 years). In all cases, prior reduction mammaplasty/mastopexy incisions were used for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Ten breasts underwent reconstruction immediately with tissue expanders, one with a latissimus dorsi flap with immediate implant and two with immediate abdominally based free flaps. Complications included one hematoma requiring evacuation and one displaced implant requiring revision. There were no positive subareolar biopsy results, and the nipple viability was 100 percent. Mean follow-up time was 10.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' experience demonstrates that nipple-sparing mastectomy can be offered to patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy with reconstructive outcomes comparable to those of nipple-sparing mastectomy alone. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The lateral inframammary fold incision for nipple-sparing mastectomy: outcomes from over 50 immediate implant-based breast reconstructions.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) as a therapeutic or prophylactic procedure for breast cancer is rapidly gaining popularity as the literature continues to support it safety. The lateral inframammary fold (IMF) approach provides adequate exposure and eliminates visible scars on the anterior surface of the breast, making this incision cosmetically superior to radial or periareolar approaches. We reviewed 55 consecutive NSMs performed through a lateral IMF incision with immediate implant-based reconstruction, with or without tissue expansion, between June 2008 and June 2011. Prior to incision, breasts were lightly infiltrated with dilute anesthetic solution with epinephrine. Sharp dissection, rather than electrocautery, was used as much as possible to minimize thermal injury to the mastectomy flap. When indicated, acellular dermal matrix was placed as an inferolateral sling. Subsequent fat grafting to correct contour deformities was performed in select patients. Three-dimensional (3D) photographs assessed changes in volume, antero-posterior projection, and ptosis. Mean patient age was 46 years, and mean follow-up time was 12 months. Twelve mastectomies (22%) were therapeutic, and the remaining 43 (78%) were prophylactic. Seven of the nine sentinel lymph node biopsies (including one axillary dissection) (78%) were performed through the lateral IMF incision without the need for a counter-incision. Acellular dermal matrix was used in 34 (62%) breasts. Average permanent implant volume was 416 cc (range 176-750 cc), and average fat grafting volume was 86 cc (range 10-177 cc). In one patient a positive intraoperative subareolar biopsy necessitated resection of the nipple-areola complex (NAC), and in two other patients NAC resection was performed at a subsequent procedure based on the final pathology report. Mastectomy flap necrosis, requiring operative debridement, occurred in two breasts (4%), both in the same patient. One of these breasts required a salvage latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to complete the reconstruction. Three nipples (6%) required office debridement for partial necrosis and operative reconstruction later. No patient had complete nipple necrosis. No statistically significant differences existed between therapeutic and prophylactic mastectomies for developing partial skin and/or nipple necrosis (p = 0.35). Three episodes (5%) of cellulitis occurred, which responded to antibiotics without the need for explantation. Morphological outcomes using 3D scan measurements showed reconstructed breasts were larger, more projected, and less ptotic than the preoperative breasts (196 versus 248 cc, 80 versus 90 mm, 146 versus 134 mm, p < 0.01 for each parameter). Excellent results can be achieved with immediate implant-based reconstruction of NSM through a lateral IMF incision. NAC survival is reliable, and complication rates are low.

Five year outcome of 145 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after accelerated breast radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Accelerated whole-breast radiotherapy (RT) with tumor bed boost in the treatment of early invasive breast cancer has demonstrated equivalent local control and cosmesis when compared with standard RT. Its efficacy in the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains unknown. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients treated for DCIS with lumpectomy and negative margins were eligible for 2 consecutive hypofractionated whole-breast RT clinical trials. The first trial (New York University [NYU] 01-51) prescribed to the whole breast 42 Gy (2.8 Gy in 15 fractions) and the second trial (NYU 05-181) 40.5 Gy (2.7 Gy in 15 fractions) with an additional daily boost of 0.5 Gy to the surgical cavity. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2009, 145 DCIS patients accrued, 59 to the first protocol and 86 to the second trial. Median age was 56 years and 65% were postmenopausal at the time of treatment. Based on optimal sparing of normal tissue, 79% of the patients were planned and treated prone and 21% supine. At 5 years' median follow-up (60 months; range 2.6-105.5 months), 6 patients (4.1%) experienced an ipsilateral breast recurrence in all cases of DCIS histology. In 3/6 patients, recurrence occurred at the original site of DCIS and in the remaining 3 cases outside the original tumor bed. New contralateral breast cancers arose in 3 cases (1 DCIS and 2 invasive carcinomas). Cosmetic self-assessment at least 2 years after treatment is available in 125 patients: 91% reported good-to-excellent and 9% reported fair-to-poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: With a median follow-up of 5 years, the ipsilateral local recurrence rate is 4.1%, comparable to that reported from the NSABP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project) trials that employed 50 Gy in 25 fractions of radiotherapy for DCIS. There were no invasive recurrences. These results provide preliminary evidence that accelerated hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy is a viable option for DCIS.

Nonimage-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of palpable axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.

We report the utility of office-based, nonimaged guided fine needle aspiration of palpable axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. We examine the sensitivity and specificity of this procedure, and examine factors associated with a positive fine needle aspiration biopsy result. Although the utility of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of axillary lymph nodes is well established, there is little data on nonimage guided office-based FNA of palpable axillary lymphadenopathy. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of nonimage-guided FNA of axillary lymphadenopathy in patients presenting with breast cancer, and report factors associated with a positive FNA result. Retrospective study of 94 patients who underwent office-based FNA of palpable axillary lymph nodes between 2004 and 2008 was conducted. Cytology results were compared with pathology after axillary sentinel node or lymph node dissection. Nonimage-guided axillary FNA was 86% sensitive and 100% specific. On univariate analysis, patients with positive FNA cytology had larger breast tumors (p = 0.007), more pathologic positive lymph nodes (p < 0.0001), and were more likely to present with a palpable breast mass (p = 0.006) or with radiographic lymphadenopathy (p = 0.002). FNA-positive patients had an increased presence of lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.001), higher stage of disease (p < 0.001), higher N stage (p < 0.0001), and higher rate of HER2/neu expression (p = 0.008). On multivariate analysis, radiographic lymphadenopathy (p = 0.03) and number of positive lymph nodes (p = 0.04) were associated with a positive FNA result. Nonimage-guided FNA of palpable axillary lymphadenopathy in breast cancer patients is an inexpensive, sensitive, and specific test. Prompt determination of lymph node positivity benefits select patients, permitting avoidance of axillary ultrasound, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or delay in receiving neoadjuvant therapy. This results in time and cost savings for the health care system, and expedites definitive management.

Papillary lesions of the breast diagnosed by core needle biopsy: 71 cases with surgical follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Papillary breast lesions comprise a spectrum of histopathologic diagnoses ranging from benign papillomas to papillary carcinomas. There is ongoing controversy regarding the management of papillary lesions diagnosed by core needle biopsy (CNB). Some authors advocate observation of papillary lesions when the CNB is benign, while others recommend surgical excision of all papillary lesions. The current study assessed the adequacy of CNB in evaluating papillary breast lesions. METHODS: A search of the pathology database at our institution identified 122 papillary lesions diagnosed by CNB. The study population consisted of 71 papillary lesions that were subsequently surgically excised. RESULTS: Of the 71 papillary lesions excised, 8 were malignant, 16 were atypical, and 47 were benign at the time of CNB. Of the 47 papillary lesions thought to be benign, 13 (28%) revealed atypia and 4 (9%) revealed malignancy upon surgical excision. Of the 13 atypical papillary lesions on CNB, 7 lesions (54%) were associated with malignancy upon excision. Slightly over half the upgrades were due to finding atypia or malignancy in the tissue surrounding the papillary lesion. The total rate of upgrades from the CNB diagnosis to the excisional diagnosis was 38%. CONCLUSIONS: When a core biopsy of a papillary lesion is encountered, there is a strong likelihood of discovering atypia or malignancy in the index lesion or in close proximity. Therefore, surgical excision should be performed to avoid missing a malignancy and to allow for accurate breast cancer risk assessment that can impact survival and decisions regarding chemoprevention.

Evaluation of aromatherapy in treating postoperative pain: pilot study.

This study compared the analgesic efficacy of postoperative lavender oil aromatherapy in 50 patients undergoing breast biopsy surgery. Twenty-five patients received supplemental oxygen through a face mask with two drops of 2% lavender oil postoperatively. The remainder of the patients received supplemental oxygen through a face mask with no lavender oil. Outcome variables included pain scores (a numeric rating scale from 0 to 10) at 5, 30, and 60 minutes postoperatively, narcotic requirements in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), patient satisfaction with pain control, as well as time to discharge from the PACU. There were no significant differences in narcotic requirements and recovery room discharge times between the two groups. Postoperative lavender oil aromatherapy did not significantly affect pain scores. However, patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than patients in the control group (P = 0.0001).