Location and Frequency of Residual Breast Tissue after Mastectomy

Introduction: Residual breast tissue after mastectomy is a problem since breast cancer can arise from it. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and location of residual breast tissue following modified radical mastectomy. Methods: 111 consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy were enrolled in this study. During surgery, after removal of the breast tissue and before skin closure, a 1-cm2 tissue sample was obtained from each quadrant under the skin flaps. These samples were evaluated histopathologically for the presence of any residual breast tissue. Results: Residual breast tissue was detected in the tissue samples of 12/111 (10.8%) patients. 4 of these patients had residual breast tissue in all 4 quadrants. 6 patients had residual tissue in a single quadrant. With 9 positive biopsy results, the upper medial quadrant was the most frequently involved location. The other quadrants had 6 positive biopsy results each. At the end of a median of 20 months of follow-up, none of these patients developed breast cancer recurrences. Conclusion: Mastectomy has a high probability of residual breast tissue being left behind. Physicians should be aware of this and act accordingly when planning surgical or follow-up treatment.