Benign and borderline phyllodes tumors of the breast: Clinicopathologic analysis of 205 cases with emphasis on the surgical margin status and local recurrence rate.

BACKGROUND: The management of benign and borderline phyllodes tumors of the breast with a positive surgical margin is still controversial. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical margin status on the local recurrence rate of benign and borderline phyllodes tumors. METHODS: We reviewed 205 phyllodes tumors (191 benign, 14 borderline) that were surgically excised at our hospital between 2005 and 2019. Follow-up information extending to at least 6 months after surgery was retrieved from the clinical, radiology, and pathology records. RESULTS: The initial surgical margin was negative in 54 (26%) cases, close (≤ 1 mm) in 29 (14%) cases, and positive in 122 (60%) cases. Approximately half of the cases with a close margin and two-third of the cases with a positive margin underwent re-excision to obtain negative margins. Three (2.3%) local recurrences were observed among 131 cases with follow-up information, all three with benign phyllodes tumor. Of these three patients, one had a positive final margin, and two had negative final margins. There was no significant difference in the rate of local recurrence between PT with a positive surgical margin versus a close and negative margin. CONCLUSION: The study results suggest that close clinical and radiologic follow-up may provide a better course of management rather than re-excision when managing positive margins in benign and borderline phyllodes tumors.

Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Reconstruction for Breast Burn Deformities.

The anterior chest wall is commonly involved in pediatric burn injuries. In women, deep thermal injuries may result in damage to the breast bud and breast skin, which can disrupt breast development and result in long-term deformities. In adulthood, the techniques frequently applied to correct these deformities focus on scar release in combination with skin grafting and implant-based procedures; however, these techniques often result in suboptimal aesthetic outcomes. In this report, we present superior outcomes from applying an autologous breast reconstruction technique to this challenging problem.

The rate of incidental atypical and malignant breast lesions in reduction mammoplasty specimens.

AIMS: Reduction mammoplasty (RM) is one of the most common plastic surgeries in the United States. We aimed to demonstrate the rate of incidental atypical and malignant breast lesions (AMBL) found in RM specimens and the impact of the number of submitted tissue sections on the rate of AMBL. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed our database for patients who had undergone reduction mammoplasty between 2000 and 2018. Patients with a history of breast cancer were excluded from the study. All pathology reports were analysed for AMBL (ALH, LCIS, FEA, ADH, DCIS, invasive carcinoma). The grossing protocol was to submit 10 sections from each breast between 2000 and 2013 and six sections between 2014 and 2018. One hundred and sixty-nine of 5208 patients (3.3%) and 216 of 10 340 RM specimens (2.1%) showed at least one AMBL. Nineteen (0.36%) patients had incidental cancer. The median age of patients with AMBL was significantly higher than patients without ABL (aged 59 years versus 45 years). There was no cancer in patients aged <30 years. The age-controlled rate of overall AMBL as well as atypia and cancer only did not decrease by submitting fewer sections during the 2014-18 period compared to the 2010-13 period. CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing the number of tissue sections from 10 to six did not lead to a significant decrease in the rate of overall AMBL or cancer. Our data suggest that submitting six tissue sections from each breast for patients aged >30 years and two sections from each breast for patients aged <30 years would be sufficient.

Upgrade rate of intraductal papilloma without atypia on breast core needle biopsy: A clinical, radiological and pathological correlation study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the upgrade rate on excision of intraductal papilloma (IDP) without atypia diagnosed on breast core needle biopsy (CNB). METHODS: We searched our pathology department database for breast CNB with a diagnosis of IDP from 2013 to 2018. The exclusion criteria included radiologic-pathologic discordance, atypia on the same CNB, absence of histologic slides to review or absence of excision information. Upgrade was defined as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer identified on excision. RESULTS: 126 IDP without atypia cases from 94 patients were identified. The upgrade rate was 1.58% (2/126). Both upgrade cases showed DCIS with low and intermediate nuclear grade. Histologic size of IDP ≥1 cm was the only statistically significant predictor factor for an upgrade on excision. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that non-surgical management of patients with radiologic-pathologic concordant IDP without atypia diagnosed on CNB may be appropriate in routine practice.

Outcomes of classic lobular neoplasia diagnosed on breast core needle biopsy: a retrospective multi-center study.

Management of classic lobular neoplasia (cLN) diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB) is controversial. Our aim in this study was to review cases of cLN diagnosed on CNB to determine the rate and risk factors of an upgrade to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma on excision. All breast CNBs with a diagnosis of atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) or classic lobular carcinoma in situ (cLCIS) from three different institutions within a single health care system between 2013 and 2018 were retrieved. Cases with any additional high-risk lesions in the same CNB or discordant radiological-pathological correlation were excluded. Information about age, personal history of prior or concurrent breast cancer (P/CBC), and radiological and histological findings were recorded. A total of 287 cLN cases underwent surgical excision. Analysis of these 287 cLN cases showed 11 (3.8%) upgrade lesions on excision. Among the 172 ALH cases, there were 3 (1.7%) upgrades, which were all invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs). On the other hand, 8 of 115 (7%) cLCIS cases revealed upgrade on excision (2 ILC, 5 DCIS. and 1 ILC + DCIS). Statistical analysis revealed that cLN cases with P/CBC, radiological asymmetry, or architectural distortion had a statistically significant higher upgrade rate on excision. Our findings revealed a low upgrade rate (3.8%) on the excision of classic lobular neoplasia diagnosed on breast core needle biopsy. Clinicoradiological surveillance can be appropriate when lobular neoplasia is identified on core biopsy with pathological radiological concordance in patients without a history of breast cancer, with the caveat that radiological asymmetry and architectural distortion are associated with a significant increase in an upgrade on excision.

Is There a Better Design for a Bariatric Procedure? The Case for a Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch.

The majority of bariatric surgical stapling procedure concepts were developed prior to the understanding of obesity as an energy storage disease. Conventional treatments did not consider the impact of macronutrients on hormones and glucose variability. Current recommendations suggest diets low in glycemic load, with moderate protein and unsaturated fat. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass promotes glucose variability which can be harmful for health and encourage weight regain. Classic duodenal switch with short common channels may prevent absorption of measurable fat-soluble vitamins and frequently untested essential fatty acids. The purpose of this review is to discuss these factors and explain why single anastomosis duodenal switch reduces glucose variability, allows for absorption of critical fats and fat-soluble vitamins, and has potential to offer better weight loss and metabolic outcomes.

Outcomes in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap and Implant-Based Reconstruction: Does Age Really Matter?

Despite the growing elderly population, there is limited research specific to this demographic concerning breast reconstruction (BR). Lack of evidence-based BR recommendations in older populations may contribute to misconceptions and subsequent underutilization of BR, especially autologous BR. Patients who received either deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap BR or tissue expander/implant (TE/I) BR by a single surgeon between July 2011 and July 2015 were surveyed postoperatively by using the psychometrically validated BREAST-Q questionnaire to determine patient satisfaction. Patients were categorized into younger and older cohorts based on median age (55 years) and further stratified based on the type of reconstruction. Of the 311 patients surveyed, 95 patients responded (31% response rate). Overall, younger patients (<55 years old, n = 42) compared with older patients (≥55 years old, n = 53) had significantly higher satisfaction with their outcome (mean difference [MD] 12.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-23.15; P = 0.034). In the TE/I group (n = 58), younger patients had significantly higher satisfaction with breasts (MD: 14.17; 95% CI: 2.58-25.75; P = .017) and outcome (MD: 18.25; 95% CI: 3.95-32.5; P = .010) with fewer complications (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.37-7.86; P = .010). In the DIEP flap group (n = 55), there was no significant difference inr any of the satisfaction outcomes between younger and older patients. Younger patients tend to be more satisfied and demonstrate fewer complications with implant-based BR. In contrast, both younger and older patients undergoing abdominally based autologous BR were equally satisfied with comparable outcomes.

In the Age of Breast Augmentation, Breast Reconstruction Provides an Opportunity to Augment the Breast.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation mammoplasty remains the most common cosmetic surgery procedure performed. The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of augmented volume of the reconstructed breast in patients that undergo nipple-sparing mastectomy and patients previously augmented who undergo mastectomy with tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction. METHODS: Patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and mastectomy after previous augmentation followed by tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction between June 2011 and April 2015 by 2 surgeons at the same institution were included. Retrospective chart review of the patients identified using these criteria was performed to record patient characteristics, complications, breast volume, implant volume, and percentage change in volume at the time of reconstruction. Percentage change of breast volume was calculated using the formula (implant breast weight)/(breast weight) for skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy patients and (final breast implant weight - [breast weight + augmentation breast implant weight])/([breast weight + augmentation breast implant]) for patients undergoing mastectomy following previous augmentation. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients were included in the study with 63 patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy, 166 patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy, and 64 patients who underwent previous augmentation with subsequent mastectomy. Mean percentage change in breast volume was 66% in the nipple-sparing mastectomy group, 15% for the right breast and 18% for the left breast in the skin-sparing mastectomy group, and 81% for the right breast and 72% for the left breast in the mastectomy following previous augmentation group. Complication rate for nipple-sparing mastectomy was 27%, mastectomy following previous augmentation was 20.3%, and skin-sparing mastectomy group was 18.7%. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo nipple-sparing mastectomy or mastectomy following previous augmentation have the ability to achieve greater volume in their reconstructed breast via tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction.

Unilateral Versus Bilateral Breast Reconstruction: Is Less Really More?

OBJECTIVE: Over the recent years, there has been an increase in prophylactic mastectomies with an associated increase in bilateral breast reconstruction. We aimed to compare outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction with unilateral versus bilateral breast reconstruction after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and implant-based reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent breast reconstruction by a single surgeon between July 2011 and July 2015 were surveyed using the independently validated BREAST-Q questionnaire. Mean satisfaction scores between patients undergoing unilateral versus bilateral breast reconstruction were compared and stratified based on the type of reconstruction [eg, DIEP flap, tissue expander to implant (TE/I)]. Groups were further categorized by age (patients <55 years and ≥55 years of age) and body mass index (<24.9 and >24.9). Complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 308 patients included, 118 (38%) had unilateral reconstruction (42 TE/I and 76 DIEP) and 190 (62%) had bilateral reconstruction (124 TE/I and 66 DIEP). A total of 95 patient surveys were included (31% response rate). Overall, patients receiving unilateral reconstruction demonstrated increased satisfaction with outcome (P = 0.028), psychosocial well-being (P = 0.043), and sexual well-being (P = 0.002). Complication rates were similar between unilateral and bilateral reconstruction. No significant differences for satisfaction were found in the TE/I group (N = 58; unilateral, 10; bilateral, 48).In the DIEP group (N = 37; unilateral, 20; bilateral, 17), those receiving unilateral reconstruction had higher satisfaction with outcome (P = 0.013) and sexual well-being (P = 0.014).Additionally, younger patients (<55 years) were more likely to undergo bilateral reconstruction (P = 0.018). Body mass index did not have a significant association with unilateral or bilateral reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction showed higher satisfaction with unilateral reconstruction, whereas patients receiving TE/I reconstruction, either unilateral or bilateral, were equally satisified. Additionally, younger women were more likely to undergo bilateral reconstruction, which is consistent with current data trends. When considering surgical options, unilateral DIEP flap reconstruction may provide improved outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction when compared with bilateral reconstruction in select patients.

Treatment of Men for "Low Testosterone": A Systematic Review.

Testosterone products are recommended by some prescribers in response to a diagnosis or presumption of "low testosterone" (low-T) for cardiovascular health, sexual function, muscle weakness or wasting, mood and behavior, and cognition. We performed a systematic review of 156 eligible randomized controlled trials in which testosterone was compared to placebo for one or more of these conditions. We included studies in bibliographic databases between January 1, 1950 and April 9, 2016, and excluded studies involving bodybuilding, contraceptive effectiveness, or treatment of any condition in women or children. Studies with multiple relevant endpoints were included in all relevant tables. Testosterone supplementation did not show consistent benefit for cardiovascular risk, sexual function, mood and behavior, or cognition. Studies that examined clinical cardiovascular endpoints have not favored testosterone therapy over placebo. Testosterone is ineffective in treating erectile dysfunction and controlled trials did not show a consistent effect on libido. Testosterone supplementation consistently increased muscle strength but did not have beneficial effects on physical function. Most studies on mood-related endpoints found no beneficial effect of testosterone treatment on personality, psychological well-being, or mood. The prescription of testosterone supplementation for low-T for cardiovascular health, sexual function, physical function, mood, or cognitive function is without support from randomized clinical trials.

Vertical Mastectomy Incision in Implant Breast Reconstruction After Skin Sparing Mastectomy: Advantages and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The type of since skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) incision directly impacts the final aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction. Different incisions are used for SSM depending on tumor location, previous biopsy scars, breast weight, and ptosis degree. A vertical scar is less visible to the patient, reminiscent of a mastopexy, and patients may not have the stigma of mastectomy. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates complication rates, patient demographics, patient reported outcomes, and plastic surgeon evaluations to compare vertical incision mastectomy to other incisions. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed. A total population of 167 patients that underwent mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction was separated into vertical incision and nonvertical incision mastectomy groups consisting of 38 and 129 patients, respectively. Patient demographics, complications, tumor margins, staging, breast weight, and breast implant volume were compared. BREASTQ Survey analysis was conducted using patient reported outcomes from the patient's perspective. Aesthetic evaluations of postoperative photos were systematically scored by plastic surgeons to obtain data from the plastic surgeon's perspective. RESULTS: Vertical incision orientation did not increase surgical complication rates or mastectomy skin necrosis (P = 0.142). Vertical incisions did not interfere with obtaining adequate tumor margins (P = 0.907). Vertical incisions did not have a significantly different breast weight or implant volume. There was no statistical difference for patient satisfaction or plastic surgeon aesthetic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of vertical incision does not increase complication rates; does not interfere with tumor margins; and can be applied to all age, BMI, breast weight, and breast implant volume groups.

Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Using Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap After Massive Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: Because of the correlation between breast cancer and obesity, plastic surgeons may encounter patients requiring reconstructive breast surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). Use of redundant abdominal skin for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap in these patients is a novel concept whose value has not been adequately studied. OBJECTIVE: Assess the outcomes of the DIEP technique for breast reconstruction in the massive weight loss population. PATIENTS: From 103 breast reconstruction patients having 150 DIEP flap procedures, 9 DIEP flaps were performed in MWL patients. Propensity score matching was used in a 1:2 ratio. Eighteen nonweight loss (NWL) patients were selected for comparison with 9 DIEP flaps performed in 6 MWL patients. MEASUREMENTS: Patients in 2 groups were matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Massive weight loss patients were compared with NWL patients on the basis of immediate versus delayed reconstruction and history of radiation; DIEP flap characteristics, including coupler size, additional venous anastomosis, need for re-exploration, and flap loss; length of hospital stay; abdominal wound healing complication; and hernia or bulging. RESULTS: There was no difference in the incidence of flap failures, bulging, or hernias requiring surgery in the MWL group. Additionally, there was no statistical difference in flap survival, abdominal complications, hospitalization days, operative time, or operative characteristics between the 2 groups. There was a significant positive correlation between immediate wound healing complications and comorbidities (P = 0.041). However, there was no correlation between wound healing complications and weight loss history. LIMITATIONS: Only 6 MWL patients of a single surgeon were studied. CONCLUSIONS: For breast reconstruction after mastectomy, DIEP flaps can be used in MWL and NWL populations with equal flap success and abdominal donor site results. Therefore, cosmetic surgeons performing contouring procedures should consider sparing redundant abdominal tissues in patients requiring breast reconstruction.

Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Using Tissue Expander and Implant Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Considerable attention has been given to patient-reported outcomes in breast reconstruction. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of postreconstruction change in breast volume on validated patient satisfaction survey scores. METHODS: Patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy followed by tissue expander/implant reconstruction between July 2010 and July 2014 by a single surgeon were given postoperative patient-reported satisfaction surveys (BREAST-Q). Retrospective chart review of patients with completed surveys was undertaken to record patient characteristics and compare preoperative breast volume (extrapolated from mastectomy mass) with postoperative implant volume, and percent change in volume was calculated. Regressions were utilized to correlate percent change with satisfaction in each category. RESULTS: A total of 160 patient surveys were included. Sixty-five percent of breasts analyzed had increased volume after reconstruction, whereas 35% had decreased volume. The increased volume group had significantly lower body mass index (P = 0.0001) and was significantly younger (P = 0.009) than the decreased volume group. Patients who experienced increase in breast volume reported statistically greater satisfaction with breasts (P = 0.019), overall outcome (P = 0.012), sexual well-being (P = 0.002), and information (P = 0.042) compared with the decreased volume group. Moreover, linear regression revealed that as percent change increased, so did satisfaction with outcome (P = 0.02), sexual well-being (P = 0.005), information (P = 0.018), and surgeon (P = 0.036). Notably, there was not a significant difference in complication rate (P = 0.146) or tumor margin (0.914) between the groups. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction with final implants that are larger in volume than their native breasts have increased patient satisfaction scores in several categories without increase in complication rate or difference in tumor margin. There is a positive linear relationship between percent change and patient satisfaction.

The ZEB1 pathway links glioblastoma initiation, invasion and chemoresistance.

Glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal types of cancer, and is the most common brain tumour in adults. In particular, tumour recurrence after surgical resection and radiation invariably occurs regardless of aggressive chemotherapy. Here, we provide evidence that the transcription factor ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1) exerts simultaneous influence over invasion, chemoresistance and tumourigenesis in glioblastoma. ZEB1 is preferentially expressed in invasive glioblastoma cells, where the ZEB1-miR-200 feedback loop interconnects these processes through the downstream effectors ROBO1, c-MYB and MGMT. Moreover, ZEB1 expression in glioblastoma patients is predictive of shorter survival and poor Temozolomide response. Our findings indicate that this regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition orchestrates key features of cancer stem cells in malignant glioma and identify ROBO1, OLIG2, CD133 and MGMT as novel targets of the ZEB1 pathway. Thus, ZEB1 is an important candidate molecule for glioblastoma recurrence, a marker of invasive tumour cells and a potential therapeutic target, along with its downstream effectors.