Screening for Breast Cancer Risk: An Analysis of Under-recognized Risk Factors and Comparison of Interventions.

Recognition of patients at high risk (HR) for breast cancer allows earlier screening and opportunities for risk reduction. We compare patients referred to our breast clinic as HR vs referrals for other reason (ROR) and found to be HR. We evaluate under-recognized factors and treatment differences. A retrospective chart review of patients found to be HR but referred for any reason to our breast clinic from July 2012 to December 2022 was performed. Referral reason, demographics, hormonal history, family history, and other risk factors were evaluated and compared (HR vs ROR). While other risk models were used for screening, Gail and Tyrer-Cuzick version 7 (TCv7) were used for comparison. Breast imaging received, hormonal therapy, and genetics referral evaluations were compared. 195 patients were referred to our breast team, 113 (58%) were referred as HR while 82 (42%) were ROR. Average age was 47 years old. 175 (91%) were Caucasian. 74 (65.5%) were referred for genetic testing, and 32 (26%) tested positive for a genetic mutation (n = 10, 12% ROR). 67 (35%) were recommended chemoprevention (n = 32, 16.4% took chemoprevention). 6 (3.1%) underwent prophylactic mastectomies and 163 (85%) had supplemental breast imaging. Comparison of HR vs ROR did not show significant differences in hormonal factors or treatments received; however, TCv7 was higher in the group referred as HR (P < .001). Our study showed that HR patients are more commonly referred secondary to family history but undergo similar treatments as those ROR. Accessibility to screening tools and education of risk factors, especially in minorities and those not otherwise being screened, may help better recognize HR.

The Correlation of Thyroid Hormone Levels and Anti-Thyroidal Drugs on Thyroid Size, Weight, and Ease of Surgical Dissection for Thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Graves' Disease often have a larger thyroid size than patients without thyroid disease. These patients also have elevated T3 and T4 with decreased TSH. PURPOSE: We evaluate whether these thyroid labs, the use of antithyroid agents, or the size of a thyroid on ultrasound, correlate with the pathological size of a thyroid in patients who undergo total thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease. We further determine whether these parameters affect perioperative complications. RESEARCH DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for Graves' Disease was performed from January 2004 to December 2016 in a single institution. STUDY SAMPLE: 392 patients were included in the study. DATA COLLECTION AND/OR ANALYSIS: Univariate analyses were performed to compare thyroid size on US and pathology as well as weight to preoperative thyroid hormone values and medical comorbidities. Spearman rank correlation and ANOVA were used to identify factors associated with thyroid weight, total pathology size, and differences in size. Multivariate analysis was also performed to evaluate for correlation between thyroid function and perioperative complications. RESULTS: We found that elevated pre-operative T3 levels were associated with larger pathologic size (P = .027) and a greater difference in pathology vs. US thyroid volumes (P = .005), but not increased thyroid weight (P = .286). No significant differences were found for thyroid weight, pathology size, or difference in size for TSH, T4, or any specific preoperative ATD given. Only postoperative calcium levels were found to be statistically significant for TSH < 0.27 (P = .024) for peri-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may allow for more accurate preoperative planning and intraoperative expectations in patients with Graves' Disease.

The Efficacy of Axillary Reverse Mapping for the Prevention of Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema (LE) is the most notable complication of axillary surgery. The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique was created to decrease LE. This study aims to evaluate a single surgeon's experience with ARM in patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent SLNB or ALND. Tumor characteristics and treatments received were evaluated. Surgical intervention and use of ARM were compared to assess LE rates. A subgroup analysis was also performed of patients who underwent NAC. RESULTS: LE was initially reported in 7.1% (n = 10) of patients; 3.3% (n = 4) with SLNB and 35% (n = 6) with ALND. At initial follow-up, LE was reported 16.4% more often in patients who underwent ALND with no ARM, and 38.8% more often in patients who underwent ALND plus ARM. An increased risk of LE was found in patients treated with ALND (OR = 16.0, P < .001). All patients who underwent ARM were 12.75% more likely to develop LE if they received NAC (P < .05). Patients in the ALND group who also received NAC were more likely to undergo ARM as compared with patients in the SLNB group (P < .01). DISCUSSION: Our study showed that ARM failed to decrease the incidence of LE. Until better surgical outcomes are shown for the prevention of LE using ARM, other approaches should be utilized. However, larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate ARM.

Improved Overall Well-Being After Breast Conserving Therapy Using Three-Dimensional Bioabsorbable Markers and Tissue Rearrangement, a Single Institution's Preliminary Experience.

Tissue rearrangement (TR) is a basic oncoplastic technique to reshape the breast after breast conserving therapy (BCT). Tissue rearrangement can be combined with three-dimensional bioabsorbable markers (3DBM) as an easily adaptable technique to provide volume replacement and focused radiation. Since 3DBM can take time for absorption and symptoms related to its use have not been fully assessed, we evaluate patient's overall satisfaction and well-being after TR with 3DBM is performed. We surveyed patients receiving BCT with adjuvant radiotherapy using BREAST-QTM BCT satisfaction and physical well-being surveys comparing patients receiving BCT alone to BCT with TR and/or 3DBM. Of 68 patients, 56 underwent BCT alone, 10 had BCT with TR + 3DBM, and 2 had BCT with TR. No significant difference was seen in physical well-being (P = .39), while overall satisfaction was significantly improved following TR + 3DBM (P = .0088). In summary, TR with use of 3DBM provides basic oncoplastic options to improve patient satisfaction without significantly changing symptoms.

Deep Margins Melanoma: How Deep Is Deep Enough?

BACKGROUND: Wide excision (WE) to muscular fascia for invasive melanoma is common practice but excision to subcutaneous tissue may be adequate. We evaluated practice patterns regarding depth of biopsy and excision as well as risks for recurrence. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with pT1-4 melanoma (cN0) treated with WE at a single institution was performed. Patient factors were evaluated. Biopsy and excision techniques were compared to pathology and reviewed for recurrence. RESULTS: 385 patients from 2006 to 2020 were included. Lesions were on the extremity (n = 189), head/neck (n = 48), trunk (n = 148). Biopsy techniques included shave (n = 330), excisional (n = 36), punch (n = 10), incisional (n = 9). Deep biopsy margins were positive for IM/melanoma in situ in 139 patients. WE specimens were taken to muscular fascia (n = 218) or mid/deep fat (n = 144). 51 patients had recurrent disease or a new primary lesion: locoregional (n = 31), distant (3), or new lesions (n = 17). DISCUSSION: Patient characteristics associated with recurrence include older age and female gender. Tumor characteristics associated with recurrence include lesions located on the trunk, superficial spreading melanoma, ulceration, perineural invasion, and clinical T and P stage. Patients that recurred were more likely to have WE taken to or including muscular fascia. Biopsy type, deep margin on biopsy, and depth of dissection was not associated with recurrence.

The mentor match: A new approach to implementing formal mentorship in general surgery residency.

Mentorship is a vital component within general surgery residency that fosters success extending into future practices. Recognizing the need for formalized mentorship within our general surgery residency, a survey based match process was developed. The "Mentor Match" was developed by creating resident and faculty surveys using the six ACGME core competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, communication skills, practice based learning, system based practice and professionalism. Surveys focused on resident areas of weakness correlating to areas in which faculty expressed subjective strength. Survey results were used to match faculty mentors with resident mentees. One year after implementation, residents were surveyed to evaluate the perceived success of the match process and mentorship program. Resident participation was 100% with a survey response of 78%. Ninety-two percent of residents were satisfied with the program, 83% saw improvement in their areas of weakness and 75% felt the match process was effective in pairing mentors with mentees. In conclusion, the "Mentor Match" was an effective tool in developing a formalized mentorship program with positive results after one year of implementation.

Adrenocortical carcinoma arising from an adrenal adenoma in a young adult female.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that often carries a poor prognosis whereas adrenal incidentalomas are relatively common findings on imaging. Although most adrenal lesions are benign, 15% of patients with ACC are diagnosed based on workup for an adrenal incidentaloma. Continued surveillance or surgical resection may be recommended depending on size. The risk of a benign, non-functional adrenal lesion becoming malignant is low. Therefore, adrenal lesions typically undergo surveillance for no more than 2 years in patients with stable findings and no history of malignancy. This case describes a young adult female with a benign left adrenal adenoma who was found to have high grade ACC 7 years later. Based on interval size increase with indeterminate density, patient underwent surgical resection with adjuvant radiation and medical therapy.

Disparities in Care: Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Pancreatic Surgery: Exploring the National Cancer Database.

Studies have shown high-volume institutions have decreased mortality and increased survival for pancreatectomy. However, not all patients can travel to high-volume centers. Socioeconomic factors may influence treatment decisions. The goal of this study is to examine socioeconomic factors that determine where a patient is treated and how that location affects outcome. This is a retrospective study of the National Cancer Database of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from 2004 to 2014. The primary outcome was to examine socioeconomic factors that predicted where a patient underwent their pancreatectomy. Patients treated at academic programs (APs) had to travel a mean distance of 80.9 miles, whereas patients treated at community programs (CPs) had to travel 31.7 miles (P < 0.0001). Spanish and Hispanic patients were less likely to travel to an AP (69% had surgery at an AP versus 76% of non-Hispanic patients, P < 0.001). Patients with higher comorbidities were also more likely to have care at CPs. Patients who had pancreatic cancer surgery at CPs were more likely to be Hispanic or with higher medical comorbidities. Those who had surgery at AP traveled further distances but had better perioperative outcomes and had an improvement in overall survival.

Thyroidectomy Remains a Safe Option for Graves' Disease.

Total thyroidectomy (TT) or near-TT (NTT) is often recommended over medical management for the treatment of Graves' disease (GD). We assess the safety within surgical subspecialties at our institution for TT/NTT in GD patients. A retrospective review of patients undergoing TT/NTT for GD was performed from 2004 to 2016. Patient factors, thyroid size, surgeon subspecialty, and intraoperative/postoperative outcomes were all reviewed. Multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for complications. A total of 383 patients underwent TT/NTT. Two hundred thirty-three patients underwent TT/NTT by otolaryngology (n = 233, 60.8%), surgical oncology (n = 140, 36.6%), general surgery (n = 8, 2.1%), and unknown (n = 2, 0.5%). On multivariate analysis, surgical duration was longer for males (P = 0.001) and increased thyroid weights (P = 0.001). No association with hypocalcemia or recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was found with factors considered. No factors were found to be associated with the ability to identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was increased in younger patients (0.010), males (P = 0.001), increased BMI (P = 0.012), and increased thyroid weight (P < 0.001). EBL was also associated with the physician performing the operation, where EBL was greatest for TT/NTT performed by general surgeons, followed by surgical oncologists and then by otolaryngology (P = 0.006). TT/NTT is safe and a reasonable option for the treatment of GD.

Metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas presents as metastases to the axillary/supraclavicular region as the first sign of the disease.

Mucinous tumors of the pancreas are rare and the diagnosis of invasive carcinoma can be a dilemma. While metastatic disease from mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCAC) and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) have been reported, no extraperitoneal mucinous cystic metastatic disease has been described. When metastatic, the overall survival rates for invasive adenocarcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCAC) and invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are similar. The best improvement in the overall and progression free survival has been demonstrated with FOLFIRINOX (folinic acid - fluorouracil - irinotecan - oxaliplatin) for metastatic adenocarcinoma and Gemcitabine based regimens for MCAC. However, the variable responses of metastatic mucinous lesions have been observed and the overall prognosis remains poor. We describe a case of a patient who presented with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas as cystic masses in the supraclavicular and axillary regions. Additionally, this patient was initially treated with FOLFIRINOX and continues to have stable primary and metastatic disease after 18 months from the diagnosis.

Giant Intraperitoneal Multiloculated Pseudocyst in a Male.

Intraperitoneal pseudocysts are rare and may be difficult to differentiate from other malignant neoplasms. Reports of occurrences are mainly associated with long-term intraperitoneal catheter use, intraperitoneal catheter infections, or major pelvic surgery in females, although there are few reported incidences without prior trauma. We present a case of a male patient found to have a 19 × 15 × 9 cm intraperitoneal pseudocyst with other multiloculated areas and a history of a right inguinal hernia repair. After a thorough review of the literature, this is the first multiloculated nonpancreatic pseudocyst reported in a male patient.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary cutaneous/soft tissue angiosarcoma: Determining tumor behavior prior to surgical resection.

BACKGROUND: Given the propensity for hematogenous metastases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could treat occult metastatic disease early, potentially improving survival and better defining which primary angiosarcomas (AS) benefit from surgical resection. METHODS: A retrospective comparison was performed of 23 patients with resectable, localized cutaneous/soft tissue primary AS treated with surgery alone (S, n = 13) or NAC followed by surgery (NAC-S, n = 12). RESULTS: Primary sites included breast/chest (n = 9), head/neck (n = 9), extremity (n = 3), and other (n = 2). 23% S versus 40% NAC-S had prior radiation (RT). NAC regimens were paclitaxel (n = 6) or gemcitabine/docetaxel (n = 4). Seventy percent were high grade. Distant metastases were found in 17% after NAC. Non-primary wound closure was required in 54 %S versus 30%NAC-S (P = 0.4). R0 resections were achieved in 85% S versus 80% NAC-S (30% had a complete pathologic response). Two-year local recurrence (LR)-free, disease-free, and overall survivals were 67.1, 38.5, and 61.5% for S versus 68.6, 54.9, and 68.6% for NAC-S (P = 0.52, 0.67, and 0.58). The mean number of surgical resections/patient to maintain local control was 1.8 S versus 1.3 NAC-S (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: NAC for primary AS was well tolerated. Although there was no statistically significant survival benefit, NAC helped define who would benefit from surgical resection.

Laparoscopic distal, subtotal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer.

The objective of this study was to show laparoscopic subtotal, distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy as a safe and appropriate method for the resection of advanced gastric cancer. This study was conducted at a designated NCI Cancer Center. Subjects of the study were patients with advanced gastric malignancy, including transmural penetration of the tumor and/or nodal disease, requiring subtotal, distal gastrectomy. The main outcome measure is a description of the technique of a laparoscopic subtotal, distal gastrectomy for antral and distal body tumors. In conclusion, the laparoscopic approach to advanced gastric malignancy with a subtotal, distal gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy is a safe, oncologically appropriate procedure which provides excellent outcomes.

Multidisciplinary cancer conferences for gastrointestinal malignancies result in measureable treatment changes: a prospective study of 149 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: In most jurisdictions, a minority of patients are discussed at multidisciplinary cancer conference (MCC) despite recommendations for such reviews. We assessed the impact of MCC review of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers at a stand-alone cancer center. METHODS: Patient data were prospectively collected on consecutive cases presented at a GI MCC during a 6-month period. Original treatment plans were collected confidentially before presentation and compared to post-MCC treatment plans. We defined changes in management plans as major (change in treatment modality) or minor (testing prior to original plan). RESULTS: A total of 149 cases were evaluated: 115 upper GI (gastric/small bowel-10 %, liver-32 %, pancreaticobiliary-36 %), and 34 lower GI (23 %). Reasons for presentation were: questions regarding progression/metastases (44 %), management (26 %), diagnosis (21 %), pathology (15 %), and resectability (7 %). Physicians were certain of their original plans being the final recommendations in 84 % (n = 125). Change in management was recommended in 36 %; 72 % were major and 28 % were minor. Patients underwent all recommended treatments at our institution in 77 % of cases, a portion in 5 %, and no recommended treatments in 18 %. On multivariate analysis, physician degree of certainty for original management plan was not predictive of a change in management plan (p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Although certainty of prediscussion treatment plan is high, changes in treatment recommendations occurred in more than one-third of patients after GI MCC. This prospective study demonstrates the value of MCC in GI cancer sites, even at a stand-alone cancer center.

The role of radiation therapy in melanoma.

Although melanoma was historically thought to be radiation resistant, there are limited data to support the use of adjuvant radiation therapy for certain situations at increased risk for locoregional recurrence. High-risk primary tumor features include thickness, ulceration, certain anatomic locations, satellitosis, desmoplastic/neurotropic features, and head and neck mucosal and anorectal melanoma. Lentigo maligna can be effectively treated with either adjuvant or definitive radiation therapy. Some retrospective and prospective randomized studies support the use of adjuvant radiation to improve regional control after lymph node dissection for high-risk nodal metastatic disease. Consensus on the optimal radiation doses and fractionation is lacking.

Ablative therapies for colorectal polyps and malignancy.

Endoscopic techniques are gaining popularity in the management of colorectal polyps and occasionally superficial cancers. While their use is in many times palliative, they have proven to be curative in carefully selected patients with polyps or malignancies, with less morbidity than radical resection. However, one should note that data supporting local and ablative therapies for colorectal cancer is scarce and may be subject to publication bias. Therefore, for curative intent, these techniques should only be considered in highly select cases as higher rates of local recurrences have also been reported. The aim of this review is to explain the different modalities of local and ablative therapies specific to colorectal neoplasia and explain the indications and circumstances where they have been most successful.

Morbidity and mortality associated with gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgery alone is often inadequate for advanced-stage gastric cancer. Surgical complications may delay adjuvant therapy. Understanding these complications is needed for multidisciplinary planning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent gastrectomy for malignancy (ICD-9 code 151.x) from 2005 to 2010. Thirty-day mortality and morbidity were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 2,580 patients underwent gastrectomy for malignancy, divided as total gastrectomy 999 (38.7 %) and partial gastrectomy 1,581 (61.3 %). Overall, serious morbidity occurred in 23.6 %, and the 30-day mortality was 4.1 %. Patients receiving a total gastrectomy were younger and healthier than those receiving a partial gastrectomy for the following measured criteria: age, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension. Serious morbidity and mortality were significantly higher in the total gastrectomy group than the partial gastrectomy group (29.3 vs. 19.9 %, p < 0.001; and 5.4 vs. 3.4 %, p < 0.015, respectively). The inclusion of additional procedures increased the risk of mortality for the following: splenectomy (odds ratio [OR] 2.8; p < 0.001), pancreatectomy (OR 3.5; p = 0.001), colectomy (OR 3.6; p < 0.001), enterectomy (OR 2.7; p = 0.030), esophagectomy (OR 3.5; p = 0.035). Abdominal lymphadenectomy was not associated with increased morbidity (OR 1.1; p = 0.41); rather, it was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.468; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Gastrectomy for cancer as currently practiced carries significant morbidity and mortality. Inclusion of additional major procedures increases these risks. The addition of lymphadenectomy was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Strategies are needed to optimize surgical outcomes to ensure delivery of multimodality therapy for advanced-stage disease.