Histopathological Analysis of Mastectomy Scars in Delayed Breast Reconstruction: is There Any Oncologic Relevance?

Abstract

Local recurrence following mastectomy or wide local excision of malignant breast disease is reported as ranging from 5 to 40% and is usually detected at clinical screening. There are few reports in the literature in which microscopic recurrence has been identified in mastectomy scars in the absence of clinical suspicion. We assessed the importance of routine mastectomy scar histology at the time of breast reconstruction for detecting microscopic recurrence and the impact of early diagnosis on patient survival. In a retrospective series of 261 asymptomatic patients, we found no evidence of malignancy or microscopic recurrence in any of the scars examined. Many oncology services recommend that all mastectomy scars be submitted to histological examination at the time of breast reconstruction. However, our results suggest that this routine exam may not be necessary. We believe that histological examination of mastectomy scars in late breast reconstruction in patients with comprehensive clinical examination and mammography may provide no additional benefit in the oncologic follow-up of these patients.