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Breast Care (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2021Breast cancer represents the most common type of cancer among women in the world. The presence and extent of axillary lymph node involvement represent an important...
INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer represents the most common type of cancer among women in the world. The presence and extent of axillary lymph node involvement represent an important prognostic factor. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is currently accepted for T1 and T2 with negative axillae (N0); however, many patients with T3-T4b tumors with N0 are often submitted to unnecessarily axillary lymph node dissection.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective, observational study of patients treated for breast cancer between 2008 and 2015, with T3/T4b tumors and N0, who underwent SLNB. A systematic review of the literature was also carried out in 5 bases.
RESULTS
We analyzed 73 patients, and SLNB was negative for macrometastasis in 60.3% of the cases. With a mean follow-up of 45 months, no ipsilateral axillary local recurrence was observed. In the systematic review, only 7 articles presented data for analysis. Grouping these studies with the present series, the rate of N0 was 32.1% for T3 and 61.0% for T4b; grouping all studies (T3 and T4b = 431) the rate was 32.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
SLNB in T3/T4b tumors is a feasible and safe procedure from the oncological point of view, as it has not been associated with ipsilateral axillary relapse.
PubMed: 33716629
DOI: 10.1159/000504693 -
European Journal of Breast Health Jan 2022Accessory breast tissue is a rare aberration of normal breast development, that presents most commonly in the axilla. Similar to normal breast tissue, it can undergo...
Accessory breast tissue is a rare aberration of normal breast development, that presents most commonly in the axilla. Similar to normal breast tissue, it can undergo physiologic and pathologic changes, including malignant transformation. We report a rare case of accessory breast cancer, treated with surgical resection and axillary reverse mapping (ARM), and review current literature focusing on management. We report a 68-year-old female with a history of left breast cancer treated with lumpectomy and axillary dissection, who later developed in-breast recurrence treated with re-lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy which mapped at the contralateral (right) axilla, but was negative. Two years later screening imaging revealed right axillary tail focal asymmetry with two spiculated masses. Core biopsy showed invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and histologic examination of the biopsy could not determine whether this represents a new primary breast cancer or axillary metastasis from the contralateral site. She underwent lumpectomy of the two masses and sentinel node biopsy. During surgery, the masses were identified in the axilla itself, rather than the axillary tail. Final pathology revealed IDC, pT1N0(sn), and extensive ductal carcinoma (DCIS). Due to positive margins, she underwent re-lumpectomy with ARM. Final pathology revealed residual DCIS with negative new margins. The patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. Accessory axillary breast tissue can be confused with axillary tail tissue. It is necessary for the surgeon to distinguish between them by meticulous physical examination and radiologic evaluation, as resection of axillary breast tissue may warrant reverse lymphatic mapping for lymphedema prevention.
PubMed: 35059584
DOI: 10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2021.2021-7-3 -
Pathobiology : Journal of... 2022Invasive breast carcinoma with a choriocarcinomatous pattern (IBC-CP) is extremely rare, and its molecular basis is yet unclear. The choriocarcinomatous pattern is...
Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of and Diagnostic Dilemmas in Invasive Breast Carcinoma with Choriocarcinomatous Pattern apropos a New Case: A Literature Review with New Findings.
BACKGROUND
Invasive breast carcinoma with a choriocarcinomatous pattern (IBC-CP) is extremely rare, and its molecular basis is yet unclear. The choriocarcinomatous pattern is characterized by the biphasic arrangement of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast-like cells around clusters of monotypic tumor cells in a hemorrhagic background, along with β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) expression. The differentiation of IBC-CP from metastatic choriocarcinoma of the breast (MC-B) is difficult due to the histologic similarity.
METHODS
Based on a literature review and our own case, the clinicopathologic differences between IBC-CP patients (n = 17) and MC-B patients (n = 8) were analyzed. Moreover, in our case of IBC-CP, next-generation sequencing (NGS) comparative analysis was conducted for both choriocarcinomatous and invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) components.
RESULTS
Compared to the MC-B patients, the IBC-CP patients were older (p < 0.001) and less frequently had past histories of gestational trophoblastic disease/pregnancy/abortion (p = 0.001) and distant metastases (p = 0.005). Our case, a 49-year-old female patient, presented with masses in the right breast and axilla. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a radical mastectomy found an 8.5-cm-sized tumor. Microscopically, multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast-like cells were observed around mononuclear tumor cells with hemorrhage and necrosis. Some tumor cells showed β-hCG immunopositivity, which was compatible with IBC-CP. NGS results showed a missense mutation in exon 5 of the TP53 gene in both the choriocarcinomatous and IBC components. Meanwhile, copy number loss in the PTEN gene was only identified in the choriocarcinomatous components.
CONCLUSION
The present IBC-CP case is triple-negative breast cancer with TP53 mutation. The PTEN gene may be associated with choriocarcinomatous differentiation. Obtaining a medical history is mandatory to exclude metastatic lesions.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy; Choriocarcinoma; Trophoblasts
PubMed: 35354152
DOI: 10.1159/000522621 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... Nov 2017Axillary web syndrome is characterized as a physical-functional complication that impacts the quality of life of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer....
Axillary web syndrome is characterized as a physical-functional complication that impacts the quality of life of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. The present study aims to verify the physiotherapy treatment available for axillary web syndrome after surgery for breast cancer in the context of evidence-based practice. The selection criteria included papers discussing treatment protocols used for axillary web syndrome after treatment for breast cancer. The search was performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, PEDro and LILACS databases using the terms , and , focusing on women with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer who underwent surgery with lymphadenectomy as part of their treatment. From the 262 studies found, 4 articles that used physiotherapy treatment were selected. The physiotherapy treatment was based on lymphatic drainage, tissue mobilization, stretching and strengthening. The four selected articles had the same outcome: improvement in arm pain and shoulder function and/or dissipation of the axillary cord. Although axillary web syndrome seems to be as frequent and detrimental as other morbidities after cancer treatment, there are few studies on this subject. The publications are even scarcer when considering studies with an interventional approach. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to support the rehabilitation resources for axillary web syndrome.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postoperative Complications; Syndrome
PubMed: 28701024
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604181 -
Annals of Surgery Mar 2019The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of different surgical axillary staging procedures compared with ALND. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Diagnostic Accuracy of Different Surgical Procedures for Axillary Staging After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy in Node-positive Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of different surgical axillary staging procedures compared with ALND.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Optimal axillary staging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) in node-positive breast cancer is an area of controversy. Several less invasive procedures, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), marking axillary lymph node with radioactive iodine seed (MARI), and targeted axillary dissection (a combination of SLNB and a MARI-like procedure), have been proposed to replace the conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with its concomitant morbidity.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were searched for studies comparing less invasive surgical axillary staging procedures to ALND to identify axillary burden after NST in patients with pathologically confirmed node-positive breast cancer (cN+). A meta-analysis was performed to compare identification rate (IFR), false-negative rate (FNR), and negative predictive value (NPV).
RESULTS
Of 1132 records, 20 unique studies with 2217 patients were included in quantitative analysis: 17 studies on SLNB, 1 study on MARI, and 2 studies on a combination procedure. Overall axillary pathologic complete response rate was 37%. For SLNB, pooled rates of IFR and FNR were 89% and 17%. NPV ranged from 57% to 86%. For MARI, IFR was 97%, FNR 7%, and NPV 83%. For the combination procedure, IFR was 100%, FNR ranged from 2% to 4%, and NPV from 92% to 97%.
CONCLUSION
Axillary staging by a combination procedure consisting of SLNB with excision of a pre-NST marked positive lymph node appears to be most accurate for axillary staging after NST. More evidence from prospective multicenter trials is needed to confirm this.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Staging
PubMed: 30312200
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000003075 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) Oct 2020The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique, identify and preserve arm nodes during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique, identify and preserve arm nodes during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), was developed to prevent breast-cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) remains controversial.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of Medline Ovid, Pubmed, Web of Science and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases was conducted from the inception till January 2020. The key word including "breast cancer", "axillary reverse mapping", and "lymphedema". Stata 15.1 software was used for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
As a result, twenty-nine related studies involving 4954 patients met our inclusion criteria. The pooled overall estimate lymphedema incidence was 7% (95% CI 4%-11%, I = 90.35%, P < 0.05), with SLNB showed a relatively lower pooled incidence of lymphedema (2%, 95% CI 1%-3%), I = 26.06%, P = 0.23) than that of ALND (14%, 95% CI 5%-26%, I = 93.28%, P < 0.05) or SLNB and ALND combined (11%, 95% CI 1%-30%). The ARM preservation during ALND procedure could significantly reduce upper extremity lymphedema in contrast with ARM resection (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.20-0.36, I = 31%, P = 0.161). Intriguingly, the result favored ALND-ARM over standard-ALND in preventing lymphedema occurrence (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.14-0.31, I = 43%, P = 0.153). The risk of metastases in the ARM-nodes was not significantly lower in the patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as compared to those without neoadjuvant treatment (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.74-1.94, I = 49.4%, P = 0.095).
CONCLUSIONS
ARM was found to significantly reduce the incidence of BCRL. The selection of patients for this procedure should be based on their axillary nodal status. Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy has no significant impact on the ARM lymph node metastasis rate.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Axilla; Breast Cancer Lymphedema; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Incidence; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Risk Assessment; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 32858404
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.08.007 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Aug 2019Results from studies of internal mammary lymph node sentinel biopsy are inconsistent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Results from studies of internal mammary lymph node sentinel biopsy are inconsistent.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane database, and Clinical Trials. Studies reporting the rate of internal mammary lymph node sentinel biopsy (IMN-SLNB) positivity were identified. We performed pooled proportion meta-analysis using random-effects meta-analyses. The correlation of IMN and axillary lymph node (AXN) metastasis was also investigated.
RESULTS
After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 18 articles (total number of patients = 2427) were included. The pooled estimate for IMN-SLNB positivity rate was 15% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12-17%). Significant between-study heterogeneity was observed. Our results indicate that axillary lymph node metastasis is a strong predictor of IMN involvement (OR 6.01, 95% CI, 3.49, 10.34).
CONCLUSION
Internal mammary lymph nodes metastasis might be underestimated. Patients with positive axillary lymph nodes have a higher risk of internal lymph nodes metastasis. As a result, IMN-SLNB might be considered in these patients. Future work needs to be done to assess whether pathological confirmed IMN metastasis can affect patients' survival.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 31382973
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-019-1683-8 -
Insights Into Imaging Apr 2015To assess whether MRI can exclude axillary lymph node metastasis, potentially replacing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and consequently eliminating the risk of...
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether MRI can exclude axillary lymph node metastasis, potentially replacing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and consequently eliminating the risk of SLNB-associated morbidity.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and Embase databases were searched for relevant publications up to July 2014. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and independently assessed by two reviewers using a standardised extraction form.
RESULTS
Sixteen eligible studies were selected from 1,372 publications identified by the search. A dedicated axillary protocol [sensitivity 84.7 %, negative predictive value (NPV) 95.0 %] was superior to a standard protocol covering both the breast and axilla simultaneously (sensitivity 82.0 %, NPV 82.6 %). Dynamic, contrast-enhanced MRI had a lower median sensitivity (60.0 %) and NPV (80.0 %) compared to non-enhanced T1w/T2w sequences (88.4, 94.7 %), diffusion-weighted imaging (84.2, 90.6 %) and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)- enhanced T2*w sequences (83.0, 95.9 %). The most promising results seem to be achievable when using non-enhanced T1w/T2w and USPIO-enhanced T2*w sequences in combination with a dedicated axillary protocol (sensitivity 84.7 % and NPV 95.0 %).
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnostic performance of some MRI protocols for excluding axillary lymph node metastases approaches the NPV needed to replace SLNB. However, current observations are based on studies with heterogeneous study designs and limited populations.
MAIN MESSAGES
• Some axillary MRI protocols approach the NPV of an SLNB procedure. • Dedicated axillary MRI is more accurate than protocols also covering the breast. • T1w/T2w protocols combined with USPIO-enhanced sequences are the most promising sequences.
PubMed: 25800994
DOI: 10.1007/s13244-015-0404-2 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Nov 2020Several studies have proven that neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) has a similar beneficial therapeutic effect in estrogen-positive (ER) breast cancer (BC) with...
BACKGROUND
Several studies have proven that neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) has a similar beneficial therapeutic effect in estrogen-positive (ER) breast cancer (BC) with improved breast conservation rate in patients undergoing NET versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The impact of axillary complete pathologic response (pCR) is less clear. We evaluate the impact of NET on axillary downstaging and surgical management.
METHODS
Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we identified all patients with node positive (N), ER, HER BC undergoing NET and performed a systemic review of literature using PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
The literature review identified 1479 clinically N patients in four studies, 148 of whom had axillary pCR (10.0%). In the two studies of patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), 7.8% (69/883) of clinically N patients had axillary pCR. The NCDB query identified 4580 female patients with clinically N ER HER BC who underwent NET from 2010 to 2016 with mean age of 61.4 years. Patients who achieved a pCR were more likely to have N1 disease (p 0.008), moderately differentiated tumors (p 0.003), and ductal histology (p 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in race, comorbidity score, education, income, hospital setting, or clinical tumor stage. Of the 4580 total patients, 663 (14.48%) had an axillary pCR (pN0) after NET, and 3917 (85.52%) remained pN+.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that patients who underwent NET for N disease had a higher axillary pCR than previously reported (10%) in smaller studies. Although NET is not a common treatment option for women with N ER HER BC, it may be a suitable option for axillary downstaging, which is currently underutilized.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy
PubMed: 32909130
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08905-9 -
The British Journal of Surgery Mar 2024In node-positive (cN+) breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy, combining sentinel lymph node biopsy and targeted lymph node excision, that is targeted...
Systematic review of targeted axillary dissection in node-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy: variation in type of marker and timing of placement.
BACKGROUND
In node-positive (cN+) breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy, combining sentinel lymph node biopsy and targeted lymph node excision, that is targeted axillary dissection, increases accuracy. Targeted axillary dissection procedures differ in terms of the targeted lymph node excision technique. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of targeted axillary dissection procedures regarding definitive marker type and timing of placement: before neoadjuvant systemic therapy (1-step procedure) or after neoadjuvant systemic therapy adjacent to a clip placed before the neoadjuvant therapy (2-step procedure).
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were searched, to 4 July 2023, for RCTs, cohort studies, and case-control studies with at least 25 patients. Studies of targeted lymph node excision only (without sentinel lymph node biopsy), or where intraoperative localization of the targeted lymph node was not attempted, were excluded. For qualitative synthesis, studies were grouped by definitive marker and timing of placement. The targeted lymph node identification rate was reported. Study quality was assessed using a National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool.
RESULTS
Of 277 unique records, 51 studies with a total of 4512 patients were included. Six definitive markers were identified: wire, 125I-labelled seed, 99mTc, (electro)magnetic/radiofrequency markers, black ink, and a clip. Fifteen studies evaluated one-step procedures, with the identification rate of the targeted lymph node at surgery varying from 8 of 13 to 47 of 47. Forty-one studies evaluated two-step procedures, with the identification rate of the clipped targeted lymph node on imaging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy varying from 49 to 100%, and the identification rate of the targeted lymph node at surgery from 17 of 24 to 100%. Most studies (40 of 51) were rated as being of fair quality.
CONCLUSION
Various targeted axillary dissection procedures are used in clinical practice. Owing to study heterogeneity, the optimal targeted lymph node excision technique in terms of identification rate and feasibility could not be determined. Two-step procedures are at risk of not identifying the clipped targeted lymph node on imaging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Iodine Radioisotopes; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Axilla; Neoplasm Staging
PubMed: 38531689
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znae071