Axillary Dissection: An Obsolete Operation?

Abstract: Our concept of the role of axillary dissection in breast cancer management continues to change. The decreased morbidity of breast conserving therapy has focused more attention on the sequelae of axillary dissection. In addition, the increasingly frequent identification of small breast cancers at low risk for nodal metastases means that fewer patients benefit from axillary dissection. This article reviews the morbidity of axillary dissection, the risk of nodal metastases in a variety of patient groups, and the frequency with which nodal metastases alter the use of adjuvant therapy.     

Indications for axillary dissection in T1 breast cancer

Background: Debate regarding axillary dissection in the treatment of women with small invasive cancers of the breast has been increasing. Recently, omission of axillary dissection has been proposed because of the reported low incidence of nodal metastases in women with such cancers. Variation in the incidence of nodal metastases in T1 breast cancers is examined and discussed with regard to a selective approach to lymphadenectomy. Methods: The literature was reviewed, and cases of 2185 women with T1 breast cancers in Rhode Island and Massachusetts were analyzed. Results: The incidence of axillary nodal metastases in T1 breast cancer varies among series and ranges from 3% to 37%. The probability of nodal metastases depends on tumor grade and patient age as well as tumor size. Conclusions: T1 breast cancers are not equivalent in their risk of associated axillary metastases. A treatment algorithm for selective axillary node dissection in patients with T1 breast cancers is proposed. Future applications of this type of algorithm are discussed with respect to sentinel node biopsy.Annals of Surgical Oncology is pleased to present the first article in a new series. The Surgical Oncology Forum will feature state-of-the-art reviews on the diagnosis and multidsciplinary treatment of malignancies.     

Simultaneous Bilateral Breast Cancer in a Male: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 63-year-old male presented with a bilateral breast carcinoma. Both axillae showed metastases. The patient was treated with a bilateral modified breast amputation. Study of the literature shows that synchronous bilateral breast cancer in males is uncommon. Even in a male with changing breast tissue a carcinoma has to be considered. In male breast cancer, adherence to diagnostic and treatment guidelines for female breast cancer is generally advocated. In males, hormonal causes have to be excluded.     

Hepatic Resection for Liver Metastases as Part of the “Oncosurgical” Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Background  Metastatic breast cancer is considered an incurable disease despite new therapies. Recent studies suggest that liver resection associated with systemic treatment may improve patient survival. Patients and methods  Patient selection criteria were: good performance status, the feasibility of a complete and safe surgical procedure, and absence of uncontrolled extrahepatic metastases. The information was collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively from our database. Results  Between 1988 and 2006, 13 liver resections were performed in 12 patients owing to metastatic breast cancer. Two patients had synchronous metastases and ten metachronous metastases. One patient had extrahepatic bone metastases at the time of liver resection. Median follow-up was 35.9 months (range 12–113.4 months). Median age at liver resection was 58.4 years (range 36–76 years). Median hospital stay was 8 days (range 6–24 days); two patients had biliary leak but none died during the postoperative course. Seven patients (58.3%) developed hepatic recurrence. One-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial patient survival was 100%, 79%, and 33%, respectively. Patients who developed liver metastases within the first 24 months and after the first 24 months post-breast surgery had 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial patient survival of 100%, 0%, and 0% and 100%, 83%, and 60%, respectively (P < 0.025). Conclusion  Liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases has an important role in the oncosurgical treatment of metastatic breast cancer with excellent 3-year survival.     

The optimal management of the axillae of patients with microinvasive breast cancer in the sentinel lymph node era

BACKGROUND: For patients with microinvasive breast cancer, the value of intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and complete axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) is not well known. METHODS: All patients staged T1mic from 2001 to 2005 were analyzed. RESULTS: Among all 81 patients, 4 (5%) had SLN metastases detected with hematoxylin and eosin staining and 2 (2%) had metastases identified by immunohistochemistry staining only. Seventy-seven patients (95%) underwent SLN biopsy; 3 (4%) had hematoxylin and eosin SLN metastases and 2 (3%) had immunohistochemistry-detected metastases. One SLN metastasis was identified on frozen section analysis. No patient with a SLN metastasis had additional metastases on CALND. The patient charges for frozen section analyses were $39,578 for 77 patients. This prevented 1 reoperative CALND at a charge of $20,274. CONCLUSIONS: Frozen section analysis should be used only in select patients with microinvasive breast cancer and CALND is of limited value for these patients.     

Sentinel lymph node mapping following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node mapping in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast carcinoma prior to lumpectomy or mastectomy and sentinel lymph node mapping followed by complete axillary dissection. A retrospective analysis of 14 patients from February 1998 to July 2000 with stage I to stage IIIB breast cancer diagnosed by core biopsy underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide) prior to definitive surgery, including lumpectomy or mastectomy and sentinel lymph node mapping, followed by full axillary dissection. Thirteen of 14 patients had successful sentinel lymph node identification (93%), and all 14 underwent full axillary dissection. An average of 2.2 sentinel nodes and a median of 16 axillary lymph nodes (including sentinel nodes) were found per patient. Of the 13 patients in whom a sentinel lymph node was identified, 10 were positive for metastases (77%). Only 4 of the 10 had further axillary metastases (40%). Three patients had negative sentinel lymph nodes shown by hematoxylin and eosin and cytokeratin stainings and had no axillary metastases (0% false negative). The single patient in whom a sentinel lymph node could not be identified had stage IIIA disease with extensive lymphatic tumor emboli. Sentinel lymph node mapping is feasible in neoadjuvant chemotherapy breast cancer patients and can spare a significant number of patients the morbidity of full axillary dissection. Further study to evaluate sentinel lymph node mapping in this patient population is warranted.     

Treatment of metastatic breast cancer with liver transplantation

Resection of liver metastases is accepted as an appropriate treatment for colorectal metastases in suitable patients. Liver transplant is not often used for malignant disease as there is a high incidence of undetectable micrometastases elsewhere and recurrence is likely. The effects of immunosuppression may also enhance the growth of malignant cells at other sites. We report a case where a young patient with undiagnosed breast cancer with axillary and liver metastases underwent liver transplantation and is effectively leading a normal life 33 months after transplant.     

A case report of multiple bilateral breast metastases after colorectal cancer

Introduction and importanceAlthough primary breast cancer is the most common tumor in women, breast metastases are rare findings. We report the first case in English literature with CRC metastases to the breast and adrenal gland concurrently.Case presentationA 42-year-old Caucasian female complained of abdominal pain over the last 3 days. Her history was remarkable for stage 2 colon cancer and she was free of disease for 2 years before the presentation, due to receiving Surgical-chemotherapy. The radiologic investigation showed a well-defined cystic mass in the left adrenal gland and left breast nodule. After adrenalectomy, the diagnosis of the mass was metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma. During the surgical preparation, bilateral breast lumps were noticed. Histopathology of breast mass showed mucinous adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the neoplastic gland was positive for CDX2, CK20, and P53 mutation and negative for CK7, PR, ER, and HER2. Overall, the diagnosis was metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma to the breast.Clinical discussionMetastatic lesions in the adrenal gland tend to be bilateral with irregular shape. Breast metastases are singular unilateral lesions with predominance in the left breast. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry make the final diagnosis.The management plan is complex and depends on many factors like the general condition of the patient and the presence of other metastases. However, breast metastases may be a clinical clue to disseminated disease.ConclusionBreast metastases should be in the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of colorectal adenocarcinoma, in order to provide the appropriate clinical care.     

Positive and negative prognostic variables for patients undergoing spine surgery for metastatic breast disease

The histology of the primary tumor in metastatic spine disease plays an important role in its treatment and prognosis. However, there is paucity in the literature of histology-specific analysis of spinal metastases. In this study, prognostic variables were reviewed for patients who underwent surgery for breast metastases to the spinal column. Respective chart review was done to first identify all patients with breast cancer over an 8-year period at a major cancer center and then to select all those with symptomatic metastatic disease to the spine who underwent spinal surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess several prognostic variables. Presence of visceral metastases, multiplicity of bony lesions, presence of estrogen receptors (ER), and segment of spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral) in which metastases arose were compared with patient survival. Eighty-seven patients underwent 125 spinal surgeries. Those with estrogen receptor (ER) positivity had a longer median survival after surgery compared to those with estrogen receptor negativity. Patients with cervical location of metastasis had a shorter median survival compared with those having metastases in other areas of the spine. The presence of visceral metastases or a multiplicity of bony lesions did not have prognostic value. In patients with spinal metastases from breast cancer, aggressive surgical management may be an option for providing significant pain relief and preservation/improvement of neurological function. Interestingly, in patients undergoing such surgery, cervical location of metastasis is a negative prognostic variable, and ER-positivity is associated with better survival, while presence of visceral or multiple bony lesions does not significantly alter survival.     

Stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal metastases: Case report and review of treatment options

The spine is the most common site for bone metastases. Spinal metastases can impact quality of life by causing severe pain, limitation of motion, and increased requirements for pain medication. Radiation therapy is a common form of treatment reserved for palliation of pain and for prevention or treatment of spinal cord compression. Newer approaches such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) have a more precise ability to customize the radiation dose to the target tissues adjacent to critical structures, thus increasing the local control of spinal column metastases. In this report, we examine the efficacy and possible advantages of single fraction SRS using a state-of-the-art tomotherapy machine in the treatment of a patient with spinal metastases from breast cancer. We also review the literature on treatment of spinal metastases using SRS, SBRT, and other modalities.     

Surgical approach to pulmonary metastases from breast cancer

Abstract: One of the main characteristics of breast cancer is its capability to disseminate. Solitary pulmonary metastases from breast cancer occur rarely (0.4%). The aim of this study is to check whether or not the outcome following the surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases in patients with breast cancer is in accordance with the data in the literature and based on it to identify prognostic factors. We have reviewed retrospectively data for 33 patients who underwent 43 curative resections of breast cancer pulmonary metastases between 1997 and 2002 at our department. Potential prognostic factors affecting survival, namely survival after lung metastasectomy, assessed were disease‐free interval (DFI), the number and location of lung metastases, the diameter in mm of metastases and the extent of pulmonary resection. The median survival for 33 patients with pulmonary breast cancer metastatic lesions after metastasectomy was 73.2 months. Mean 5‐year survival was 54.5%. There was a statistically significant difference in survival time with better prognosis for patients with DFI > 36 months (p = 0.0007), complete metastasectomy (p = 0.0153), unilateral pulmonary metastases (p = 0.0267) and for patients who underwent multiple operations (p = 0.0211). In multivariate analysis there was significant influence for long‐term prognosis for patients with DFI > 36 months (p = 0.0446) and for complete resection of the metastases (p = 0.0275). Analysis of the survival rates for patients with solitary pulmonary metastasis, with different size of tumors and after different types of pulmonary resection showed no significant differences. It was concluded that resection of lung metastases from breast cancer may offer a significant survival benefit for selected patients. The identified prognostic factor for survival after metastasectomy is DFI longer than 36 months and complete resection of the metastases. In our group of patients, DFI longer than 36 months, unilateral pulmonary metastases and number of operations significantly influenced survival. Also, the results showed that lung metastasectomy by conventional surgery is a safe procedure with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rate.     

Significance of intramammary lymph nodes in the staging of breast cancer: correlation with tumor characteristics and outcome

Intramammary lymph nodes (intraMLNs) have received little attention as potential prognostic indicators for patients with breast carcinoma. Patients with stage I breast carcinoma and positive intraMLN metastases have been reported to have a poorer prognosis compared to patients with similar stage and negative intraMLN metastases. However, the presence of intraMLN metastases does not appear to influence the survival of patients with stage II breast carcinoma. In the current retrospective analysis, we assessed the clinical significance of intraMLNs and evaluated their role in predicting outcome in patients with breast carcinoma. Between 1995 and 2005, 116 intraMLN specimens were identified. In all, 59 patients (50.8%) were found in association with benign breast conditions and the remaining 57 (49.2%) with primary breast carcinoma. Primary tumor characteristics and axillary lymph node (AxLN) status were recorded. Outcome data were documented. Statistical analysis was performed to detect correlation between intraMLN and tumor characteristics as well as outcome. IntraMLN metastases were found in 26% of all in-situ and invasive cancer cases (15/57), and 32% (15/47) of invasive cancer cases only. Most patients (80%) who had intraMLN metastases also had axillary metastases; however, an isolated intraMLN metastasis was documented in one patient (7%). Univariate analysis revealed that predictors of intraMLN metastases include: tumor size (p = 0.04), tumor grade (p = 0.04), tumor stage (p < 0.001), and AxLN status (p < 0.001). Furthermore patients with intraMLN positive for metastases have a poorer 4-year overall (40% versus 88%; p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (37% versus 83%; p < 0.001) than patients with negative intraMLN. On multivariate analysis, intraMLN metastasis is not an independent predictor of outcome (disease-free survival: p = 0.350; and overall survival p = 0.138). IntraMLN metastasis is a poor prognostic marker but not an independent predictor of poor outcome in patients with breast carcinoma.     

An early orbital metastasis from breast cancer: A case report

IntroductionOrbital metastases from solid cancers are infrequent or underestimated, since they represent only 1–13% of tumors of the orbit. They are even less frequent in breast cancer and are rarely diagnosed. We report a case of an early diagnosed orbital metastasis from breast cancer to an extra ocular muscle.Case reportWe report the case of a 33-year-old female patient who presented, following the diagnosis of her breast cancer, headache, a progressive decrease in visual acuity of the right eye and diplopia. Brain imaging revealed a tissue process at the expense of the internal rectus muscle, which biopsy pointed to a secondary lesion of breast cancer.DiscussionExtraocular muscles are rarely infiltrated by metastasis from distant sites. They are mostly asymptomatic and suggest a systematic spread of the disease. The treatment is generally palliative and the prognosis is generally poor.ConclusionOrbital metastases from breast cancer are certainly rare but are associated with significant morbidity. In order to make a precise diagnosis and offer an appropriate treatment, healthcare professionals must remain vigilant in the face of any ophthalmological symptoms.     

Rectum mucinous adenocarcinoma metastasis to bilateral breast in a male patient: A case report

A 47‐year‐old male presented to our clinic with complaints of mass in both breasts. In the patient's history, he had undergone low anterior resection for rectum mucinous adenocarcinoma 2 years ago. The masses in both breasts of the patient were excised. Mucinous adenocarcinoma metastases were reported in the pathologic evaluation of the masses. Metastasis should be considered in patients with bilateral breast mass and previously diagnosed cancer even if the patient is male.     

GATA3 as a putative marker of breast cancer metastasis—A retrospective immunohistochemical study

Diagnostic verification of breast cancer metastasis with histopathology and imaging analysis is essential to determine tumor staging. The aim of this study was to validate the utility of GATA3 immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer metastases and metastases of unknown primary origin. Retrospective immunohistochemical analysis of GATA3 expression in 164 breast cancer metastases diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 showed a striking difference between mammaglobin and GATA3 expression (51.2% vs 94% positivity). These findings highlight GATA3 as a more reliable and sensitive diagnostic marker for breast cancer metastases and possibly metastatic tumors of unknown origin than mammaglobin.     

Standardized Uptake Values from PET/MRI in Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Organ‐based Comparison With PET/CT

Quantitative standardized uptake values (SUVs) from fluorine‐18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) are commonly used to evaluate the extent of disease and response to treatment in breast cancer patients. Recently, PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to qualitatively detect metastases from various primary cancers with similar sensitivity to PET/CT. However, quantitative validation of PET/MRI requires assessing the reliability of SUVs from MR attenuation correction (MRAC) relative to CT attenuation correction (CTAC). The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the utility of PET/MRI‐derived SUVs in breast cancer patients by testing the hypothesis that SUVs derived from MRAC correlate well with those from CTAC. Between August 2012 and May 2013, 35 breast cancer patients (age 37–78 years, 1 man) underwent clinical 18F‐FDG PET/CT followed by PET/MRI. One hundred seventy metastases were seen in 21 of 35 patients; metastases to bone in 16 patients, to liver in seven patients, and to nonaxillary lymph nodes in eight patients were sufficient for statistical analysis on an organ‐specific per patient basis. SUVs in the most FDG‐avid metastasis per organ per patient from PET/CT and PET/MRI were measured and compared using Pearson's correlations. Correlations between CTAC‐ and MRAC‐derived SUVmax and SUVmean in 31 metastases to bone, liver, and nonaxillary lymph nodes were strong overall (ρ = 0.80, 0.81). SUVmax and SUVmean correlations were also strong on an organ‐specific basis in 16 bone metastases (ρ = 0.76, 0.74), seven liver metastases (ρ = 0.85, 0.83), and eight nonaxillary lymph node metastases (ρ = 0.95, 0.91). These strong organ‐specific correlations between SUVs from PET/CT and PET/MRI in breast cancer metastases support the use of SUVs from PET/MRI for quantitation of 18F‐FDG activity.     

Mammary‐like Carcinoma of the vulva: A diagnostic challenge

Mammary‐like carcinoma of the vulva is incredibly rare with less than 30 cases published since 1935, and the similarities of such pathology between breast cancer metastases, squamous adenocarcinoma, Bartholin gland carcinomas, etc, make an accurate diagnosis challenging. A diagnosis can be made utilizing immunohistochemical staining and patient history to rule out more likely causes such as metastases to ensure a correct diagnosis.     

T2 breast cancer presenting with diffuse liver metastases and hepatic failure following fertility treatment. Cautionary report

BackgroundDiffuse hepatic metastases with hepatic failure as a presentation of a T2 breast cancer is rare. This is also remarkable seeing our case had been on fertility treatments before presentation. There are no documented reports of breast cancer patient on fertility treatment presenting with diffuse hepatic metastases and liver failure.Case summaryA 41 year old Para 1 Nigerian woman being managed for secondary infertility with an extended use of clomiphene presented with a 3 months history of a left breast lump, nipple bleeding and later, yellowness of eyes, right hypochondrial pain malaise and drowsiness. Abdominal USS showed an enlarged liver with diffuse metastatic nodules. Liver function tests showed persistently elevating liver enzymes and serum bilirubin. Serology showed Hepatitis B negative. She was diagnosed with a T2 left invasive ductal carcinoma, Er−, Pr+ Her2+ with deteriorating liver function from diffuse hepatic metastases She had chemotherapy but succumbed barely a week of presentation.ConclusionBreast cancer screening for patients before fertility treatments and continual surveillance while on such treatment is highly recommended.     

Paradoxical scintigraphy bone scan findings with malignancy‐associated extreme hypercalcemia

We report the first case of extreme hypercalcemia (Ca ²⁺ >6.0 mmol/L) as the initial presentation of de novo metastatic breast cancer. Following treatment and stabilization of the patient, imaging revealed a large breast mass and widespread osseous metastases. Whole body bone scintigraphy demonstrated significant extra osseous uptake of radiotracer in the lungs, liver, and kidneys—a rare phenomenon secondary to profound hypercalcemia. Biopsy revealed estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast carcinoma, for which the patient was treated.     

乳腺癌肝转移特征及诊疗

乳腺癌发病人数逐年攀升,相较于其他部位转移的患者,乳腺癌肝转移患者通常预后较差.目前国内外尚无针对乳腺癌肝转移诊疗的指南.本文旨在为乳腺癌肝转移的临床诊疗提供一定的思路和依据.本文对乳腺癌肝转移临床特点、发病机制的研究现状与治疗进展进行综述.早期肝转移患者往往没有明显症状或体征,考虑肝转移的患者最好行影像学引导下穿刺确...