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The Journal of Infection Jun 2024Implant-based reconstructions are increasingly utilized following mastectomy in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. However, these implants are associated... (Review)
Review
Implant-based reconstructions are increasingly utilized following mastectomy in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. However, these implants are associated with a high rate of infection, which is a major complication that can lead to implant removal, delay in adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy, and increase in health care costs. Early clinical signs and symptoms of infection, such as erythema, warmth, and tenderness, are challenging to discern from expected postsurgical responses. Furthermore, when atypical features are present or the patient's condition does not improve on adequate antimicrobials, the clinician should be prompted to consider an alternative noninfectious etiology. Herein we highlight the key elements of the preventive, diagnostic, and multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to salvaging the infected breast implant; review several infectious disease mimickers; and provide many pearls of wisdom that the practicing clinician must be familiar with and be able to manage in an effective and successful manner.
PubMed: 38879134
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106197 -
The British Journal of Surgery Jun 2024Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery may allow women with early breast cancer to avoid a mastectomy, but many women undergo more extensive surgery, even when...
BACKGROUND
Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery may allow women with early breast cancer to avoid a mastectomy, but many women undergo more extensive surgery, even when breast-conserving options are offered. The aim of the ANTHEM qualitative study was to explore factors influencing women's surgical decision-making for and against oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery.
METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of women who had received either oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction to explore their rationale for procedure choice. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Trial registration number: ISRCTN18238549.
RESULTS
A total of 27 women from 12 centres were interviewed. Out of these, 12 had chosen oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery and 15 had chosen a mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction. Overwhelmingly, women's decisions were guided by their surgical teams. Decision-making for and against oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery was influenced by three key inter-related factors: perceptions of oncological safety; the importance of maintaining/restoring femininity and body image; and practical issues. Oncological safety was paramount. Women who reported feeling reassured that oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery was oncologically safe were happy to choose this option. Those who were not reassured were more likely to opt for a mastectomy, as a perceived 'safer' option. Most women wished to maintain/restore femininity, with the offer of immediate breast reconstruction essential to make a mastectomy an acceptable option. Practical issues such as the perceived magnitude of the surgery were a lesser concern.
CONCLUSION
Decision-making is complex and heavily influenced by the surgical team. High-quality, accurate information about surgical options, including appropriate reassurance about the short- and long-term oncological safety of oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery is vital if women are to make fully informed decisions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy, Segmental; Middle Aged; Decision Making; Qualitative Research; Adult; Mammaplasty; Mastectomy; Aged; United Kingdom; Interviews as Topic
PubMed: 38877844
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znae133 -
Journal of Transcultural Nursing :... Jun 2024Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Arabic women and is often diagnosed in advanced stages, resulting in an increased likelihood of requiring a mastectomy....
INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Arabic women and is often diagnosed in advanced stages, resulting in an increased likelihood of requiring a mastectomy. Despite this, there is a lack of contemporary literature exploring Arabic women's experiences of breast cancer and its sequelae.
METHOD
Semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2019 and 2022 of Arabic women diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clark.
RESULTS
Two main themes were identified: (a) describes participants' experiences when diagnosed and (b) detailing their lack of decision-making autonomy and perceptions of support.
DISCUSSION
Arabic women believe in the concept of fate and faith, and their cultural conditioning is to prioritize family over themselves, often with limited support. They lack autonomy in decision-making due to the patriarchal society they live in.
PubMed: 38877748
DOI: 10.1177/10436596241259208 -
Cancer Treatment and Research... May 2024The landscape of breast reconstruction has changed significantly with a shift in focus to include the restoration of a patient's quality of life after cancer....
INTRODUCTION
The landscape of breast reconstruction has changed significantly with a shift in focus to include the restoration of a patient's quality of life after cancer. Reconstructive options can be divided into alloplastic (implant based) and autologous (tissue based). This paper aims to provide a current educational summary regarding implant-based reconstruction after breast cancer surgery and review the current literature.
METHOD
A review of the literature was conducted utilising standard PRISMA flowchart. Databases searched included Pubmed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE.
RESULTS
Current practice is explored within the text, including types of implants, indications, and surgical approaches. Heterogenous cohorts, surgical technique variation, and selection bias can make comparison of the literature challenging. The major evidence reviews of implant-based reconstruction topics are discussed including, ADM use, radiotherapy, and complications. Despite the benefits of autologous reconstruction, implant-based techniques still represent a significant proportion of reconstructive breast procedures. However, implant-reconstruction is not without its risks and limitations and, with such variety in practice, there remains a lack of high-quality evidence guiding practice. Most importantly, patients need to be counselled about the pros and cons of each choice, particularly with the increasing utilisation of radiotherapy post-reconstruction. Ultimately, the patient and surgeon should reach a decision in full knowledge of the risks and potential outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research is required into implant-based reconstructive therapy, which will allow a greater consensus for management and a pathway for both surgeons and patients.
PubMed: 38875885
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100821 -
Annals of Surgical Treatment and... Jun 2024We aimed to analyze the occurrence of lymphedema as a side effect in patients who underwent regional nodal irradiation (RNI) following surgery for breast cancer.
PURPOSE
We aimed to analyze the occurrence of lymphedema as a side effect in patients who underwent regional nodal irradiation (RNI) following surgery for breast cancer.
METHODS
This retrospective study was conducted on patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery from July 2014 to October 2020 at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital. The analysis included 113 cT1-3N1-3M0 breast cancer patients who underwent RNI as part of radiotherapy (RT). Mostly, surgeries were performed using breast-conserving surgery (n = 99, 87.6%), except for 14 patients with modified radical mastectomy. The total RT dose for RNI was 45-60 Gy, and the fraction size was 1.8-2.0 Gy. Most patients underwent chemotherapy (n = 98, 86.7%), including taxanes (n = 92, 81.4%).
RESULTS
The median follow-up was 61.1 months (range, 5.0-110.5 months). Lymphedema occurred in 54 patients (47.8%) after surgery. Twenty of them (17.7%) developed a new onset of lymphedema after RT, while 34 (30.1%) detected lymphedema before the completion of RT. Over the follow-up, 16 patients (14.2%) experienced recurrence. High radiation dose (>50.4 Gy) for RNI (P = 0.003) and taxane use (P = 0.038) were related to lymphedema occurrence after RT. Moreover, lymphedema occurrence after RT was also related to recurrence after surgical resection (P = 0.026). Breast-conserving surgery was related to early-onset lymphedema before the completion of RT (P = 0.047). Furthermore, the degree of lymph node dissection (≤4) was related to the overall occurrence of lymphedema (P = 0.045).
CONCLUSION
Considering a reduction in RNI dose may be beneficial in mitigating the incidence of lymphedema after RT in patients with breast cancer.
PubMed: 38868589
DOI: 10.4174/astr.2024.106.6.337 -
Cureus May 2024Giant fibroadenomas are common in young females and are rarely reported in perimenopausal or menopausal females. These fibroadenomas are observed as single, mobile,...
Giant fibroadenomas are common in young females and are rarely reported in perimenopausal or menopausal females. These fibroadenomas are observed as single, mobile, small to large, with distinct boundaries. These tumors are hyperplastic and characterized by their aberrant growth in both the epidermal and mesenchymal layers, which can be accompanied by pain in some instances. These tumors have similar clinical resemblances to other epithelial and stromal tumors, such as phyllodes tumors, except for the level of disease severity and malignancy. Treatment of giant fibroadenomas includes surgical resection. Surgical excision is done by complete excision of the fibroadenoma, with the rest of the breast tissue and the nipple-areolar complex preserved. Timely diagnosis can be helpful in the prevention of adverse outcomes. This is a case of a 40-year-old female who presented with a lump in her right breast, for which she underwent a wide local excision. On histopathology, it was found to be a giant fibroadenoma. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful.
PubMed: 38868246
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60189 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2024The radical change in the treatment of breast cancer has promoted the necessity for more comprehensive training of the professionals involved, ensuring the preservation... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The radical change in the treatment of breast cancer has promoted the necessity for more comprehensive training of the professionals involved, ensuring the preservation of oncological safety while also allowing for cosmetic interventions to benefit breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to present the methods employed in the training of breast surgeons, highlighting the importance of oncoplasty and breast reconstruction.
METHODS
A literature review was conducted in two databases, identifying articles related to medical education in the context of oncoplastic surgery and breast reconstruction. We also assessed the Brazilian experience in oncoplastic centers.
RESULTS
The basis for educational discussions was derived from 16 articles. We observed approaches that included hands-on courses utilizing simulator models, porcine models, cadaver labs, and fellowship programs. Positive outcomes were observed in Brazil, a fact based on seven oncoplasty training centers for senior mastologists and five training centers for junior mastologists. From 2009 to 2023, an estimated 452 seniors and 42 juniors received training, representing approximately 30% of mastologists in Brazil who have acquired training and experience in oncoplasty.
CONCLUSION
Despite the limited number of publications on training methods, oncoplastic centers have made significant progress in Brazil, establishing a successful model that can be replicated in other countries.
Topics: Humans; Mammaplasty; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Brazil; Mastectomy; Clinical Competence
PubMed: 38865539
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2024S119 -
Iranian Journal of Pathology 2024Breast sarcoma is a rare but aggressive tumor. There are few case reports in the literature and several aspects of this disease are still not completely comprehended....
Breast sarcoma is a rare but aggressive tumor. There are few case reports in the literature and several aspects of this disease are still not completely comprehended. Therefore, reporting new cases can help to enrich the literature. We report a patient with breast mass and pus secretion from her right breast, misdiagnosed as an abscess and mistreated by antibiotics. The patient was referred for an ultrasound examination and mammography, and a needle biopsy was performed that suggested an aggressive tumor. By the pathologist's suggestion, a total mastectomy of the right breast was performed with the excision of sentinel nodes. A pathological examination revealed a high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) without vascular or lymph node invasion as the final diagnosis. The patient underwent postoperative chemotherapy and is currently in good condition. This case emphasizes considering this rare tumor when approaching a breast mass. Performing surgery with adequate resection margin can improve the patient's prognosis. Some suggested breast UPS cases with lung and brain metastasis would be more aggressive tumors than other breast sarcomas. Total mastectomy with negative margins and free-of-tumor lymph nodes may be the key to improve prognosis in such patients.
PubMed: 38864088
DOI: 10.30699/IJP.2023.2006411.3139 -
Iranian Journal of Pathology 2024Breast cancer recurrence after surgery was a sign that the progress of the disease was continuing. Early detection of breast cancer patients who are at risk requires...
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE
Breast cancer recurrence after surgery was a sign that the progress of the disease was continuing. Early detection of breast cancer patients who are at risk requires development of a marker. Alfa smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) plays a role in the local recurrence process of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Currently, existing tumor markers are used to predict the prognosis of breast cancer in general, not the early stages. Therefore, it was thought that finding α-SMA expression might predict early recurrence in early-stage IDC more accurately than others. This study investigated the potential role of α-SMA expression as a predictor of early recurrence in early-stage IDC and its relationship to clinicopathological factors.
METHODS
The study design was cross-sectional, with data obtained from the medical records of Dr. Koesnadi, General Hospital, Bondowoso, Indonesia. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to analyze data.
RESULTS
We included 50 subjects divided into the local recurrence group (n=25) and the non-local recurrence group (n=25). We found a statistically significant correlation between the incidence of local recurrence in early-stage IDC and the high expression of α-SMA (odd ratio [OR]=23.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]=5.101-105.7, =0.001). Clinicopathological variables and α-SMA expression did not have a significant correlation.
CONCLUSION
In early-stage IDC, α-SMA expression had the potential to predict and could be an independent prognostic factor for early recurrence.
PubMed: 38864081
DOI: 10.30699/IJP.2023.2004468.3126 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Jun 2024Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, potentially life-threatening infection, often necessitates urgent medical intervention and surgical excision of the affected tissue. We...
Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, potentially life-threatening infection, often necessitates urgent medical intervention and surgical excision of the affected tissue. We present a 55-year-old male patient with a progressively enlarging lump in the left breast that was diagnosed as a breast carcinoma. Post-modified radical mastectomy, histopathological examination revealed Grade II invasive ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine features. Due to financial constraints, the patient missed post-operative follow-ups and did not complete the prescribed radiotherapy sessions. Three months later, the patient returned with fever, swelling alongside sharp pain in the left arm and oozing blood. A clinical diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was made, leading to urgent surgical debridement. While the wound progressively healed, a contracture developed restricting elbow movement. An Orthopedic Review and Bone scintigraphy revealed metastasis of breast carcinoma to the sternum. This case report highlights the multi-disciplinary management required in such financially constrained rare cases in low- and middle-income countries.
PubMed: 38863962
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae412