Occurrence of Residual Cancer Within Re-excisions After Subcutaneous Mastectomy of Invasive Breast Cancer and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ - A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Surgical margin status remains an important determinant for recurrence of invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ. We compared the number of positive margins in initial histology with rates of residual tumor in re-excision specimens. Furthermore, we analysed cost-effectiveness of re-excisions. PATIENTS AND METHODS 101 patients treated with secondary surgery were included. The first group underwent breast conserving surgery and secondary mastectomy. The second group was primarily treated with subcutaneous mastectomy followed by secondary surgery. RESULTS Within the first group, 22.7% did not show residual tumor in the re-excision specimen. Of the second group, 54.3% had no residual tumor. Consequentially 45.7% needed a re-excision to achieve R0 status. Cost-effectiveness was determined as secondary endpoint. If a patient needs a secondary mastectomy the hospital gains 602,65€ in comparison to a primary breast conserving operation. CONCLUSION In every second patient who had first received a subcutaneous mastectomy, no tumor could be detected in the secondary operation despite a previous R1 status.