Does response to neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy impact breast reconstruction?

Neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is administered in breast cancer treatment for downstaging of disease. Here, we determined the impact of response to NAC on breast reconstruction uptake. A prospective NAC and mastectomy database with or without reconstruction were reviewed with IRB approval. Univariable analyses were conducted using Kruskal‐Wallis or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. We identified 271 patients with unilateral breast cancer receiving NAC and either unilateral or bilateral mastectomy from 9/2013 to 5/2016. Seventy patients (25.8%) had a pCR to NAC. One hundred and seventy‐five patients (64.6%) had immediate reconstruction (IR), and 96 had no IR. On univariable analysis, younger age (P < .001), lower T‐stage at presentation (P < .001), bilateral versus unilateral mastectomy (P<.001) and HR‐negative tumor subtype (P = .006) were significantly associated with higher IR rates. On multivariable analysis, pCR (P = .792) and tumor subtype (P = 0.061) were not significantly associated with IR; T‐stage was significantly associated with IR (P < .001), such that patients with T4 tumors at presentation had lower odds of IR (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02‐0.50), even when accounting for response to NAC. One hundred and seventy‐three patients (63.8%) received adjuvant radiation therapy; this was associated with lower IR frequency (P = .048) but was not associated with reconstruction type (tissue expander versus autologous, P = 1.0) among 175 patients who had IR. In patients who have mastectomy after NAC, IR is influenced by age, T‐stage at presentation, and choice of bilateral mastectomy, but not by response to NAC. A subset of patients who are young, with earlier T‐stage and pCR, is more likely to proceed with bilateral mastectomy.     

Preoperative breast size affects reconstruction status following mastectomy

Much research has been devoted to why women choose not to be reconstructed following mastectomy. The effect of breast size has not been well explored. The authors aimed to assess the relationship between breast size and reconstructive choices. A single‐center retrospective review of women undergoing mastectomy between 2011 and 2014 was performed. Demographics, surgical variables, and reconstruction decisions were analyzed using t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and chi‐squared tests. Significant (P < .05) variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. About 610 patients were analyzed. The median mastectomy specimen weight was 572 g (62‐5230 g), which did not correlate with BMI (P = .44). Women who underwent reconstruction had lighter mastectomy specimens, averaging 643 vs 848 g (P < .0001). A regression controlling for ethnicity, insurance status, number of comorbidities, age at mastectomy, cancer stage, BMI, specimen weight, and mastectomy laterality was constructed. Lower specimen weight (P = .005), lower cancer stage (P = .008), bilateral mastectomy (P = .042), and younger age at mastectomy (P < .0001) were significantly associated with reconstruction. Women with larger breasts were less likely to be reconstructed regardless of their BMI and comorbidities. Larger breasted women may be considered worse prosthetic reconstruction candidates due to increased complications and suboptimal aesthetic outcomes but may find the increased invasiveness and recovery of autologous reconstruction an unattractive alternative. Furthermore, it is possible that surgeons may be less supportive of breast reconstruction for larger breasted women if there are concerns about safety or the aesthetic quality of the result. In the future, qualitative research must be done to determine why more larger breasted women choose not to be reconstructed as well as develop better ways to increase their reconstructive options.     

Disparities in Urban and Rural Mastectomy Populations

Background  Using the 2006 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and the 2004 Area Resource File (ARF), the likelihood of mastectomy for stages I–III breast cancer patients in urban versus rural populations are examined. County and patient level data are evaluated for impact on receipt of mastectomy. Patient variables included age, stage, race, and marital status, and community variables are income, employment, and radiation facility staff density. The likelihood of mastectomy in urban and rural patients, and the impact of the different variables on that procedure, is reported. Methods  This retrospective analysis of a combined dataset from the 2006 SEER database and the 2004 ARF linked using the federal information processing standard (FIPS) state county variable evaluates patient and county variables with multivariate regression. Results  From 1992 to 2003, 137,303 patients were identified in the SEER database. The rural population (county population of <20,000) comprised 9.58% of the overall population. On bivariate analysis, the likelihood of mastectomy was significantly higher among rural patients (59.90% versus 44.92%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that rural residency is an independent factor affecting receipt of mastectomy (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–1.97). The likelihood that a patient received a mastectomy was impacted by the significant patient factors of stage at diagnosis, race, and marital status, and significant community factors were employment, education level, and density of radiation technologists. Conclusion  An increased likelihood of mastectomy for rural patients with stages I–III breast cancer is shown with analysis of patient and community factors that may play a role.     

Complication rates among women undergoing preventive mastectomy: An Austrian registry

Germline variations in the BRCA‐1 and BRCA‐2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. These variants are found in 5% of all breast cancer cases. Prophylactic mastectomy is the most effective risk‐reducing method and shows high rates of patient satisfaction and acceptance. We established a registry of Austrian BRCA‐1 and BRCA‐2 mutation carriers who had undergone mastectomy for oncologic or prophylactic reasons. Data were collected on the type of operation, complications, and type of reconstructive surgery for patients between 2014 and 2017. The complication rate in patients with nipple‐sparing mastectomy was significantly lower (23.1%) than in those with other types of mastectomies (60.7%; P = .005). In patients with implant‐based breast reconstruction, subpectoral placement was associated with a significantly higher rate of complications than prepectoral placement (P = .025). Median implant volume was 350 cc (range: 155‐650 cc), and a 100‐cc increase was associated with doubling of the odds of a complication (regression coefficient = 0.007); based on this finding, some surgeons may decide on using smaller implants. In summary, we identified significant associations between the risk of complications and surgical characteristics, and found host factors like diabetes, BMI, and smoking among Austrian patients with BRCA‐1 and BRCA‐2 variants.     

Loco‐regional Control After Neo‐adjuvant Chemotherapy and Conservative Treatment for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients

Breast‐conserving treatment (BCT) has been validated for breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Our objective was to evaluate the difference in loco‐regional recurrence (LRR) rates between BCT and mastectomy in patients receiving radiation therapy after neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). A retrospective data base was used to identify all patients with breast cancer undergoing NCT from 2002 to 2007. Patients with initial metastatic disease were excluded from this analysis. LRR was compared between those undergoing BCT and mastectomy. Individual variables associated with LRR were evaluated. Two hundred eighty‐four patients were included, 111 (39%) underwent BCT and 173 (61%) mastectomy. Almost all patients (99%) in both groups received postoperative radiation. Pathologic complete response was seen in 37 patients, of which 28 underwent BCT (p < 0.001). Patients receiving mastectomy had more invasive lobular carcinoma (p = 0.007) and a higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (p < 0.001) at diagnosis than those with BCT. At a median follow‐up of 6.3 years, the loco‐regional control rate was 91% (95% CI: 86–94%). The 10‐year LRR rate was similar in the BCT group (9.2% [95% CI: 4.9–16.7%]) and in the mastectomy group (10.7% [95% CI: 5.9–15.2%]; p = 0.8). Ten‐year overall survival (OS) rates (63% [95% CI: 46–79%] in the BCT group; 60% [95% CI: 47–73%] in the mastectomy group, p = 0.8) were not statistically different between the two patient populations. Multivariate analysis showed that AJCC stage ≥ III (HR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2–5.8; p = 0.02), negative PR (HR: 6; 95% CI: 1.2–30.6, p = 0.03), and number of positive lymph nodes ≥3 (HR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.9; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of LRR. Ten‐year OS was similar in the BCT and in the mastectomy group (p = 0.1). The rate of LRR was low and did not significantly differ between the BCT and the mastectomy group after NCT. Randomized trials assessing whether mastectomy can be safely omitted in selected breast cancer patients (nonstage III tumors or those which do not require adjuvant hormone suppression) which respond to NCT are required.     

Management trends and outcomes of breast angiosarcoma: Is breast conservation feasible?

We queried the National Cancer Database for nonmetastatic breast angiosarcoma, yielding 808 patients (202 de novo, 606 secondary). The median survival was 53.7 months. Secondary tumors were more likely to undergo mastectomy than de novo lesions (OR = 3.99, P < 0.001). Treatments included lumpectomy (10%), lumpectomy/radiation (3%), mastectomy alone (73%), or mastectomy/radiation (14%), with no difference in survival (P = 0.68). Lumpectomy correlated with positive margin rate (OR 3.29), which was a predictor for death (HR = 2.37, P < 0.01), along with older age, higher comorbidity scores, size >5 cm, and high‐grade disease (P < 0.05). While breast angiosarcoma is usually treated with mastectomy, lumpectomy may be feasible for well‐selected tumors.     

Is radiation indicated for young women with early stage,node‐negative breast cancer after mastectomy? A multi‐institution,retrospective review

The role of post‐mastectomy radiation for women with node negative, early stage disease is not well‐defined. The purpose of this study is to more clearly define a subset of women who are ≤40 years of age with T1‐T2, node negative breast cancer who may benefit from post‐mastectomy radiation. Using tumor registries at two institutions, we identified 219 women ≤40 years of age with T1‐T2, node negative breast cancer treated with mastectomy. Of these 219 patients, 38 received post‐mastectomy radiation and 181 did not. Kaplan–Meier methods and cox proportional‐hazards regression models were employed for statistical analysis. There were no locoregional failures in the women receiving post mastectomy radiation, which lead to a nonsignificant increase in freedom from locoregional recurrence (P=.08). For women not receiving post‐mastectomy radiation, freedom from locoregional recurrence was 94.7% and 89.7% at 5‐ and 10‐years. Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) was the only factor predictive of locoregional recurrence. For women without LVSI, freedom from locoregional recurrence was 96.0% and 93.3% at 5‐ and 10‐years respectively. For women with LVSI who did not receive post mastectomy radiation, freedom from locoregional recurrence was 89.1% at 5‐years. There were no failures in the women with LVSI who received post mastectomy radiation. For women ≤40 years of age with T1‐2, node negative breast cancer treated with mastectomy and no post‐mastectomy radiation, locoregional control is excellent in the absence of LVSI, regardless of other risk factors. In the presence of LVSI (regardless of other risk factors), the risk of locoregional recurrence is high and appears to be decreased with post‐mastectomy radiation.     

Postoperative Expansion is not a Primary Cause of Infection in Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders

Perioperative infection is the most common and dreaded complication associated with tissue expander (TE) breast reconstruction. Historically, the expansion period was thought to be the time of greatest hazard to the implant. However, recent institutional observations suggest infectious complications occur prior to expansion. This investigation, therefore, was conducted to determine the timing of infectious complications associated with two‐stage TE breast reconstructions. Following IRB approval, a retrospective review of all consecutive two‐stage immediate TE breast reconstructions at a single institution from November 2007 to November 2011 was conducted. Reconstructions were then divided into two cohorts: those suffering infectious complications and those that did not. Infectious complications including minor cellulitis, major cellulitis, abscess drainage, and explantation were identified. Various operative and patient variables were evaluated in comparison. Eight hundred ninety immediate two‐stage TE breast reconstructions met inclusion criteria. Patients suffering infection were older (55.4 years versus 49.3 years; p < 0.001), and more likely to have therapeutic mastectomy (94% versus 61%; p < 0.0001), the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM; 72.5% versus 54.9%; p = 0.001), and greater initial TE fill (448.6 mL versus 404.7 mL; p = 0.0078). The average time to developing of infectious symptoms was 29.6 days (range 9–142 days), with 94.6% (n = 87) of infections prior to the start of expansion. Perioperative infections in immediate two‐stage TE to implant breast reconstructions are significant and occur mostly prior to the start of expansion. Thus, challenging the conventional wisdom that instrumentation during expander filling as the primary cause of implant infections. Possible etiologic factors include greater age, therapeutic mastectomy versus prophylactic mastectomy, larger initial TE fill, and the use of ADM.     

Diagnostic Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Background  Preoperative use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women with breast cancer may increase rates of mastectomy. This study investigated relationships between breast MRI and therapeutic and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in women with breast cancer. Methods  A total of 3606 women diagnosed with stage 0–III breast cancer from 1998 through 2000 (n = 1743; early period) or from 2003 through 2005 (n = 1863; late period) were retrospectively identified. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from our institution’s tumor registry. MRI use in the diagnostic evaluation was obtained from a prospective radiology database. Rates of therapeutic mastectomy, CPM, and associations with breast MRI were compared between the two time periods by multiple logistic regressions controlling for disease stage, age, family history, and calendar year of diagnosis. Results  A total of 14.2% of women underwent MRI, 29.0% had mastectomy, and 5.3% had CPM. Use of breast MRI increased substantially between the two time periods (4.1% to 23.7%, P < 0.001). Mastectomy rates increased from 28% to 30% (P > 0.05). The rate of CPM increased by >50% from the early to late period (4.1% to 6.4%, P < 0.002). Women who underwent MRI were nearly twice as likely to have CPM (9.2 vs. 4.7%, P < 0.001). Multivariate models found MRI was associated with increased rates of CPM for women with stage I or II disease (odds ratio 2.04, P = 0.001). Conclusions  MRI changes the surgical treatment of breast cancer among subsets of women diagnosed with breast cancer, suggesting there are hidden monetary and nonmonetary costs associated with its use.     

Sentinel lymph node positivity in patients undergoing mastectomies for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Current guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients undergoing mastectomy for a preoperative diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We examined the factors associated with sentinel lymph node positivity for patients undergoing mastectomy for a diagnosis of DCIS on preoperative core biopsy (PCB). The Institutional Breast Cancer Database was queried for patients with PCB demonstrating pure DCIS followed by mastectomy and SLNB from 2010 to 2018. Patients were divided according to final pathology (DCIS or invasive cancer). Clinico‐pathologic variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi‐squared, Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum and logistic regression. Of 3145 patients, 168(5%) had pure DCIS on PCB and underwent mastectomy with SLNB. On final mastectomy pathology, 120(71%) patients had DCIS with 0 positive sentinel lymph nodes (PSLNs) and 48(29%) patients had invasive carcinoma with 5(10%) cases of ≥1 PSLNs. Factors positively associated with upstaging to invasive cancer in univariate analysis included age (P = .0289), palpability (P < .0001), extent of disease on imaging (P = .0121), mass on preoperative imaging (P = .0003), multifocality (P = .0231) and multicentricity (P = .0395). In multivariate analysis, palpability (P = .0080), extent of disease on imaging (P = .0074) and mass on preoperative imaging (P = .0245) remained significant (Table 2). In a subset of patients undergoing mastectomy for DCIS with limited disease on preoperative evaluation, SLNB may be omitted as the risk of upstaging is low. However, patients who present with clinical findings of palpability, large extent of disease on imaging and mass on preoperative imaging have a meaningful risk of upstaging to invasive cancer, and SLNB remains important for management.     

Trends in immediate breast reconstruction and radiation after mastectomy: A population study

In the last decade, there has been an increase in women undergoing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) at the time of mastectomy. Recent literature suggests a shift in practice: Surgeons are becoming more comfortable with IBR in the setting of possible postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, despite the known complications. This study sought to investigate, at a population level, the patient and surgeon characteristics associated with the use of IBR and which of these factors were predictive of adjuvant radiotherapy. This retrospective population‐based cohort study included all adult women who underwent mastectomy in the province of Ontario from 2007 to 2014. The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) administrative data base was used to generate patient demographic and clinical data. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) data base was used to elicit surgeon characteristics including clinical experience and volume of practice dedicated to breast surgery. Outcome variables included reconstruction concurrent with mastectomy, alloplastic vs autologous reconstruction, and use of radiation. A total of 25 861 patients underwent mastectomy and 2972 had IBR (11.5%). The rate of IBR after mastectomy increased over time from 7.2% in 2007 to 17.2% in 2014 (P < .001). There was also an increase in the proportion of patients with IBR who received radiation over the time period, from 19.4% in 2007 to 28.2% in 2014 (P = .003). In the first regression analysis, IBR was associated with younger patient age, residing in closer proximity to cancer clinics, absence of malignant breast disease (ie, prophylactic mastectomy), having a younger surgeon performing the mastectomy, and receiving care at a teaching hospital. A second analysis showed that patient variables predictive of radiation after IBR were a younger age and a more advanced cancer stage and no variables specific to surgeon or institution were predictive of radiation in patients with IBR. A significant increase in the rate of IBR as well as the use of radiation occurred over the 7‐year study period. Multiple patient and surgeon factors were associated with IBR. Variables associated with radiation in IBR were harder to predict. Given the increase in the use of radiation in IBR, further research is needed to look at long‐term outcomes in these patients at the population level.     

胚系BRCA突变年轻乳腺癌术式选择对预后影响的Meta分析

背景与目的 携带胚系BReast CAncer基因（gBRCA）突变的年轻乳腺癌患者同时具有年轻与基因突变带来的双重风险。目前对于gBRCA突变早期乳腺癌患者是否可行保乳治疗目前尚无一致结论。本研究通过Meta分析探讨不同手术方式对gBRCA突变的年轻乳腺癌患者预后的影响，以及该影响是否有人种差异。方法 检索多个国外数据库，收集比较gBRCA突变早期乳腺癌患者行保乳手术与全乳切除术预后差异的临床研究，对无复发生存（RFS）、无转移生存（MFS）、乳腺癌特异性生存（BCSS）、总生存（OS）等指标进行Meta分析。结果 最终纳入6篇研究（中国2篇，欧美4篇），共2 140例gBRCA突变患者，中位年龄38~47岁。Meta分析结果显示，总体人群中，gBRCA突变患者行保乳手术较全乳切除术复发风险增高（RFS：HR=1.91，95% CI=1.03~3.54，P<0.05），但两种术式的MFS、BCSS、OS差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）；中国人群中，gBRCA突变患者行保乳手术较全乳切除术复发风险增高（RFS：HR=1.63，95% CI=1.10~2.41，P<0.05），两种术式的其余指标差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05），欧美人群中，两种术式的上述指标差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）。结论 对于欧美人群，保乳手术不是gBRCA突变早期年轻乳腺癌术后预后的风险因素；但在中国人群中，gBRCA突变早期年轻乳腺癌患者行保乳手术可能具有更高的复发风险，需在术式选择的医疗决策时充分告知。     

A retrospective study on breast cancer presentation,risk factors,and protective factors in patients with a positive family history of breast cancer

Women with a positive family history of breast cancer are greatly predisposed to breast cancer development. From January 2007 to December 2016, 1101 patients with a histologically confirmed breast cancer were divided into two groups: patients with and without a positive family history of breast cancer. Variables including age at presentation, ethnicity, tumor size, age at menarche, age at menopause, oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), alcohol intake, smoking, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, parity, and breastfeeding were recorded. One hundred and fifty‐nine out of 1101 (14.4%) of the patients had a family history of breast cancer. There was no significant difference in the incidence of breast cancer among Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Both patient groups presented at a mean age of about 60 years (+FH 60; ‐FH 61.2 P‐value = .218). Significantly higher prevalence of history of benign breast disease (11.3%, P .018), nulliparity (13.2%, P .014), tumor size at presentation of more than 5 cm (47.3%, P 0.001), and bilateral site presentation (3.1%, P 0.029) were noted among respondents with a positive family history of breast cancer compared to those with a negative family history of breast cancer. The odds of having a tumor size larger than 5cm at presentation were almost two times higher in patients with a positive family history as compared to those without a family history (adjusted OR = 1.786, 95% CI 1.211‐2.484) (P‐value .003). Women in Malaysia, despite having a positive family history of breast cancer, still present late at a mean age of 60 with a large tumor size of more than 5 cm, reflecting a lack of awareness. Breastfeeding does not protect women with a family history from developing breast cancer.     

Effect of primary tumor resection on overall survival in patients with stage IV breast cancer

We aimed to evaluate the effect of primary tumor resection on overall survival in stage IV breast cancer patients. In total, 284 breast cancer patients presenting with breast cancer at stage IV at initial diagnosis, between 2001 and 2014, were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical resection of the primary tumor. Overall survival (OS) between the two groups was analyzed. Patients in the surgery group (n = 92) had smaller tumors than those in the no‐surgery group (n = 192, T0‐1:17.7% vs 34.8%, P < 0.001). The surgery group more often had negative nodal status (5.7% vs 33.7%, P < 0.001). Multiple metastatic organ sites were more common in the no‐surgery group than in the surgery group (55.7% vs 15.2%, P < 0.001). The surgery group showed a better OS than the no‐surgery group (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that surgical resection of primary tumors tended to be associated with improved OS (HR = 0.67, P = 0.055). T stage, ER, HER2 and metastatic organ sites were independent prognostic factors for OS in multivariate analysis. Surgical resection of the primary tumor may be a treatment option for patients with stage IV disease and may not have a negative effect on overall survival.     

Pre‐mastectomy Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A Strategy to Enhance Outcomes in Immediate Breast Reconstruction

The pre‐mastectomy sentinel lymph node biopsy (PM‐SLNB) is a technique that provides knowledge regarding nodal status prior to mastectomy. Because radiation exposure is associated with poor outcomes in breast reconstruction and reconstructed breasts can interfere with the planning and delivery of radiation therapy (RT), information regarding nodal status has important implications for patients who desire immediate breast reconstruction. This study explores the safety and utility of PM‐SLNB as part of the treatment strategy for breast cancer patients desiring immediate reconstruction. We reviewed the charts of adult patients (≥18 years old) who underwent PM‐SLNB from January 2004 to January 2011 at our institution. PM‐SLNB was offered to patients with stage I or IIa, clinically and/or radiographically node‐negative breast cancer who desired immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy. PM‐SLNB was also offered to patients with ductal carcinoma in situ if features concerning for invasive carcinoma were present. Ninety‐one patients underwent PM‐SLNB of 94 axillae. PM‐SLNB was positive in 25.5% of breasts (n = 24). Nineteen node‐positive patients (79.2%) have undergone or planning to undergo delayed reconstruction at our institution. Seventeen of these 19 node‐positive patients (89.5%) have received adjuvant RT. Two patients (10.5%) elected against RT despite our recommendation for it. No biopsy‐positive patient underwent immediate reconstruction or suffered a radiation‐induced complication with their breast reconstruction. There were two minor complications associated with PM‐SLNB, both in node‐negative patients. This study demonstrates the utility of PM‐SLNB in providing information regarding nodal status, and therefore the need for adjuvant RT, prior to mastectomy. This knowledge can be used to appropriately counsel patients regarding optimal timing of breast reconstruction.     

Positive predictive value of biopsy of palpable masses following mastectomy

Determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of biopsy of palpable masses following mastectomy (MX). Determine if there are patient characteristics, tumor, or imaging features more predictive of cancer. IRB‐approved retrospective review of 16 396 breast ultrasounds June 2008‐December 2015 identified patients with MX presenting with palpable masses. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. In all, 117 patients presented with palpable masses on the MX side. 101/117 patients who had a palpable mass on physical examination had a true sonographic mass to correlate with the clinical findings. 91/101 (90%) underwent biopsy: 19/91 (21%, 95% CI; 13‐31) biopsies were malignant. 72/91 (79%) were benign. All 19 cancers were on the original cancer side. Recurrences ranged from 0.4 to 4.5 cm maximum diameter, mean 1.3 cm. Prophylactic vs therapeutic mastectomy was very statistically significant (P = .01). The use of tamoxifen or an AI was also statistically significant (P = .04). Patient age (P = 1.0), radiation therapy (P = 1.05), chemotherapy (P = .2), immediate breast reconstruction (P = .2), or implant vs flap (P = .2) had no statistically significant association with finding cancer on biopsy. Lesion shape (irregular vs oval/round) was highly statistically significant (P = .0003) as was non‐parallel orientation on ultrasound (P = .008). Circumscribed vs non‐circumscribed margins was also statistically significant (P = .008). The PPV of biopsy of palpable masses on the side of MX was 21% (95% CI; 13‐31). All recurrences were on the original cancer side and this was very statistically significant.     

Critical evaluation of factors contributing to time to mastectomy within a single health care system

Increased time to mastectomy (TTM) has significant implications for mortality, well‐being, and satisfaction. However, certain populations are subject to disparities that increase TTM. This study examines vulnerable populations and the patient‐, disease‐, provider‐, and system‐level factors related to treatment delays. Patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer from 2014 to 2018 across 8 hospitals in a single health care system were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, disease characteristics, and provider‐ and system‐level information were collected. Time from biopsy‐proven diagnosis to mastectomy was calculated. Univariate analysis identified variables for inclusion in the multivariable model. One thousand, three hundred thirty patients met inclusion. Median TTM was 55.0 days. Factors from all levels—patient, disease, provider, and systemic—were significantly related to disparities. African‐American patients had 11.6% longer TTM compared to white patients (69.0 vs 56.0 days, P < .0001). TTM was 15.5% longer for low‐income patients when compared to high‐income patients (65.0 vs 49.0 days, P = .0014). Preoperative plastic surgery visits led to 19.3% longer TTM (P = .0012); oncologic appointments for neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy led to a 231.0% increase (P < .0001). Average time from last neo‐adjuvant treatment to mastectomy was 44.4 days (SD 26.5); average TTM from diagnosis for patients not receiving neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy was 58.5 days (SD 13.3). Patients with Medicaid waited 14.5% longer compared to patients with commercial insurance (94.0 vs 62.0 days, P = .0005). In our review of care across a large health care system, we identified multiple levels contributing to disparities in TTM. Identification of these disparities offers valuable insight into process improvement and intervention.     

Oncological results in women with wound complications following mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: A meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the oncological results in women with wound complications following mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. A systematic literature search up to August 2022 was performed and 1618 subjects with mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction at the baseline of the studies; 443 of them were with wound complications, and 1175 were with no wound complications as a control. Odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the oncological results in women with wound complications following mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction using dichotomous or contentious methods with a random or fixed-effect model. The wound complications had a significantly longer length of time to adjuvant therapy (MD, 9.44; 95% CI, 4.07–14.82, P < .001) compared with no wound complications in subjects with mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. However, no significant difference was found between wound complications and no wound complications in subjects with mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction in breast cancer recurrence (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.95–4.06, P = .07), death rates (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 0.89–4.27, P = .09), and kind of immediate breast reconstruction (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.53–1.92, P = .98). The wound complications had a significantly longer length of time to adjuvant, however, no significant difference was found in breast cancer recurrence, death rates, and kind of immediate breast reconstruction. The analysis of outcomes should be done with caution even though no low sample size was found in the meta-analysis but a low number of studies was found in certain comparisons.     

Associations Between Mental Health and Surgical Outcomes Among Women Undergoing Mastectomy for Cancer

Following diagnosis of breast cancer, many women experience serious psychological distress, which can adversely affect their cancer care and outcomes. We conducted this study to examine the association between mental health conditions and hospital outcomes and costs among women undergoing mastectomy for invasive breast cancer. Using nationally representative data from the 2005 to 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified women aged ≥18 years with invasive breast cancer who underwent inpatient mastectomy (N = 40,202). Individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis (major depressive, posttraumatic stress, panic, adjustment, or generalized anxiety disorder) or substance abuse were compared with those without a mental health condition. Outcomes included risk of complications, prolonged hospitalization (>3 days), and direct costs of care. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to control for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Overall, 4.5% of patients had a mental health condition. Patients with substance abuse were more likely than those without to experience both complications (8.5% versus 4.8%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61 [1.30–2.00]) and prolonged hospitalization (26.4% versus 13.6%; AOR = 2.25 [1.95–2.59]), and to have higher average costs ($9,855 versus $9,128, p = 0.009). Presence of psychiatric diagnoses was also significantly associated with increased complications (5.9% versus 4.8%; AOR = 1.21 [1.10–1.34]), prolonged hospitalization (8.5% versus 4.8%; AOR = 1.40 [1.32–1.49]), and higher average costs ($9,723 versus $9,108, p < 0.001). Mental health conditions are associated with poorer outcomes and higher costs in breast cancer patients undergoing inpatient mastectomy. Greater efforts are needed to identify and manage these patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders during the perioperative period.     

Oncoplastic Mammoplasty as a Strategy for Reducing Reconstructive Complications Associated with Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

Given the high complication rates in patients who require radiation therapy (XRT) after mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, and the low local recurrence rates following neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy and breast conservation therapy, we sought to determine if using neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy and oncoplastic mammoplasty as an alternative to mastectomy and immediate reconstruction is an effective strategy for reducing complication rates in the setting of XRT. A prospectively maintained data base was queried for patients who received neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy and XRT between 2001 and 2010 and underwent either oncoplastic mammoplasty or mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Rates of postoperative complications between groups were compared using Fisher's exact test. Outcomes from 37 patients who underwent oncoplastic mammoplasty were compared to 64 patients who underwent mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Mean follow‐up was 33 months (range 4–116 months). Rates of postoperative complications, including unplanned operative intervention for a reconstructive complication (2.7% versus 37.5%, p < 0.001), skin flap necrosis (10.8% versus 29.7%, p = 0.05), and infection (16.2% versus 35.9, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in the mastectomy group. Overall, 45.3% of patients who underwent mastectomy developed at least one breast complication, compared to 18.9% of patients who underwent oncoplastic mammoplasty (p = 0.01). If XRT is indicated after mastectomy, attempts should be made to achieve breast conservation through the use of neo‐adjuvant therapy and oncoplastic surgery in order to optimize surgical outcomes. Breast conservation with oncoplastic reconstruction does not compromise oncologic outcome, but significantly reduces complications compared to postmastectomy reconstruction followed by XRT.