Sialography does not alter the management of parotid space-occupying lesions

The value of sialography in unilateral space-occupying lesions of the parotid gland has been reviewed. The investigation caused discomfort and did not alter the clinical diagnosis or management of the patients examined.     

Calcified suture material in the breast after radiation therapy.

Of 335 women who underwent lumpectomy and radiation therapy for breast cancer, 42 subsequently developed calcifications. Particles typical of calcified suture material were identified in 21 of the 42 women (50%). No obvious calcified suture material was found in approximately 1,140 women of 38,000 (3%) who had undergone mammography after they had previously undergone breast biopsy for a benign lesion and thus had not undergone radiation therapy. Calcified suture material rarely develops in the nonirradiated breast, but it is common after radiation therapy and should not be confused with recurrent breast cancer. These calcifications are likely the result of delayed resorption of catgut sutures, which provide a matrix on which calcium can precipitate in a suitable local environment.     

Chest wall reconstruction after resection of recurrent breast tumours.

A series of 13 chest wall resections for recurrent breast tumours are reported, the defects being closed by synthetic prostheses. In nine patients the prostheses were covered by a latissimus dorsi flap, while in the last eight patients a rigid 'shield' prosthesis of methyl methacrylate was used, and a stable chest obtained. Mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h was not required in those patients in whom a shield was used.