Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Added to Synthetic Mammography in Breast Cancer Screening in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Literature meta-analysis results show that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) combined with synthesized two-dimensional (s2D) mammograms can reduce recalls and improve breast cancer detection. Uncertainty regarding the screening of patients with breast cancer presents a health economic challenge, both in terms of healthcare resource use and quality of life impact on patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the cost effectiveness of DBT + s2D versus digital mammography (DM) used in a biennial breast cancer screening setting of women aged 40-69 years with scattered areas of fibroglandular breast density and heterogeneous dense breasts in the Brazilian supplementary health system. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed on the basis of clinical data obtained from a systematic review with meta-analysis performed to evaluate the analytical validity and clinical utility of DBT + s2D compared with DM. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases, with the main descriptors of the technology, a comparator, and the clinical condition in question, on 9 June 2022. The hybrid economic model (decision tree plus Markov model) simulated costs and outcomes over a lifetime for women aged 40-69 years with scattered areas of fibroglandular breast density and heterogeneous dense breasts. We analyzed incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to measure the incremental cost difference per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) of adding DBT + s2D to breast cancer screening. RESULTS: DBT + s2D incurred a cost saving of € 954.02 per patient, in the time horizon of 30 years, compared with DM, and gained 5.1989 QALYs, which would be considered a dominant intervention. These results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Switching from DM to biennial DBT + s2D was cost effective. Furthermore, reductions in false-positive recall rates should also be considered in decision making.

How well are Brazilian mastologists (breast surgeons) trained in breast reconstruction and oncoplastic surgery? A study of the impact of a breast reconstruction and oncoplastic surgery improvement course.

Introduction: The breasts are a female symbol, impacts self-image and self-esteem. Breast reconstructive and oncoplastic surgeries have an important role in minimizing injuries. In Brazil less than a third of public health system (SUS) users have access to immediate reconstructive surgery. The low rate of breast reconstructions has multiple causes and the deficiency in availability and surgeons' technical qualification play a role. In 2010, the Breast Reconstruction and Oncoplastic Surgery Improvement Course was created by professors of the Mastology Department of Santa Casa de São Paulo and State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of the techniques learned on patients' management by the surgeons enrolled in the Course, as well as to characterize their profile. Methods: All students enrolled in the Improvement Course between 2010 and 2018 were invited to answer an online questionnaire. Students who did not agree to answer the questionnaire or answered them incompletely were excluded. Results: Total students included: 59. The mean age: 48.9 years, male (72%) with more than 5 years of Mastology practice (82.2%), from all regions of Brazil, 1.7% from the North, 33.9% from the Northeast, 44.1% from the Southeast, and 12% from the South. Most of the students considered they had little or no knowledge of breast reconstruction (74.6%) and 91,5% did not consider they had enough aptitude to perform breast reconstructions after finishing residency. After the Course, 96.6% considered themselves apt to perform such surgeries. Over 90% of the students considered the Course had impacted their practice and changed their surgical strategy view. Before the Course, 84.8% of the students stated that less than half of their patients who were operated on for breast cancer had breast reconstruction, compared to 30.5% after the Course. Conclusion: The Breast Reconstruction and Oncoplastic Surgery Improvement Course studied here positively impacted the mastologists' management of patients. New training centers worldwide can help a lot of women with breast cancer.

Dermoglandular advancement-rotation flap for conservative treatment of breast cancer - description of technique, objective and subjective assessments.

Objective: to describe and evaluate the dermoglandular advancement-rotation flap with no contralateral surgery as a technique for the conservative treatment of breast cancer when skin or a large proportion of gland requires resection. Patients/Methods: 14 patients with breast tumors with a mean size of 4.2 cm and need for skin resection. The resection area is included within an isosceles triangle, with its apex located on the areola, which is the pivot for rotation of a dermoglandular flap released through a lateral extension along that triangle base. Symmetry before and after radiotherapy was objectively assessed by authors using the BCCT.core software, as well as subjectively by three experts and patients themselves using the Harvard scale. Results: Experts considered the breast symmetry results to be excellent/good for 85.7% of patients in the early post-operative period and 78.6% in the late post-operative period. Excellent/good ratings provided by BCCT.core software amounted to 78.6% of cases in the early post-operative period and 92.9% in the late post-operative period. Symmetry was rated as excellent/good by 100% of patients. Conclusion: Dermoglandular advancement-rotation flap technique with no contralateral surgery provides good symmetry when a large proportion of skin or gland requires resection on breast conservative cancer treatment.

Management of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: recommendations of a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Mastology.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogenous subtype involving different patterns of behavior and clinical course, demanding a complex, individualized sequence of treatment. The knowledge and attitudes of the affiliated members of the Brazilian Society of Mastology regarding TNBC were evaluated and a consensus regarding management and treatment was reached. METHODS: Affiliates completed a survey involving 44 objective questions. In addition, a specialist meeting was held with 27 experts and 3 ad hoc consultants. The panelists completed the survey before and after brainstorming. Answers achieving 70% of agreement were considered consensual. The chi-square test was used to compare answers between panelists and affiliates and the Kappa coefficient to calculate agreement. RESULTS: Consensus among the panelists increased from 26 (59.1%) to 32 questions (72.7%) following brainstorming (p = 0.17), including 7/10 questions on systemic treatment. Among the affiliates, consensus was achieved for 24 questions (54.5%), resulting in moderate agreement (κ = 0.445). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be indicated for almost all cases (except cT1a-b N0) and should include platinum agents. When indicated, immunotherapy is part of the standard of care. The panel reaffirmed the concept of no ink on tumor as indicative of adequate margins and the possibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy for cN1 patients who become cN0 following neoadjuvant therapy. Controversies remain on combining immunotherapy with capecitabine/olaparib in pertinent cases. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus was achieved for > 70% of the questions, with moderate agreement between panelists and affiliates. Educational interventions on systemic breast cancer treatment affected decision-making in 60% of the questions.

Management of the positive sentinel lymph node following neoadjuvant chemotherapy: results of a survey conducted with breast surgeons.

Introduction: Despite the lack of randomised evidence, there is a current trend towards omitting axillary surgery in cases of positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). This study evaluated practice patterns of Brazilian breast surgeons when managing positive SLN following NACT. Methods: This was a nationwide electronic survey of breast surgeons affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Mastology. Management approaches for positive SLN after NACT (axillary dissection (AD), regional nodal irradiation (RNI) or no additional treatment) were evaluated as a function of residual disease volume in the SLN (macro-metastasis, micro-metastasis or isolated tumour cells (ITC)). Results: Survey response rate was 49%, with 799/1,627 questionnaires returned. Most respondents were <50 years old (61%), lived in south-eastern Brazil (50%), in a major city (67%), worked in an academic institute (80%) and were board-certified (80%). AD recommendation rate decreased according to residual nodal disease volume: 91% of respondents recommended AD for cases of macro-metastasis, 64% for micro-metastasis and 38% for ITC (p < 0.00001). Furthermore, 35% would recommend no additional surgery for micro-metastasis, while 27% would recommend no treatment at all for ITC (p < 0.00001). Not working in an academic institute was associated with RNI for micro-metastasis (p = 0.02), but not for macro-metastasis or ITC. Being board-certified did not affect axillary management. Conclusion: Most respondents would recommend AD and/or RNI in residual nodal disease following NACT irrespective of disease volume. Nevertheless, a trend towards surgical de-escalation was found with low-volume disease (micro-metastasis and ITC). Ongoing randomised trials will clarify the impact of this trend.

Impact of COVID-19 Disease in Early Breast Cancer Management: A Summary of the Current Evidence.

PURPOSE: An expert panel on breast cancer and COVID-19 disease was convened to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for early breast cancer (eBC) management. METHODS: To ensure that the most clinically relevant information was addressed, essential information was drawn from several of the latest national and international guidelines and another technical document. The expert panel met in five virtual closed sessions from November 2020 to May 2021 to consult on the relevant data from evidence-based results. The data gathered were discussed on an online platform. RESULTS: This article reports the expert panel's highlights of these meetings' discussions. In addition, it provides practical recommendations covering topics regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with eBC in clinical settings routinely encountered by health care professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: This article provided guidance on several topics regarding eBC management amid the COVID-19 pandemics to inform safer care practices.

The Attitudes of Brazilian Breast Surgeons on Axillary Management in Early Breast Cancer-10 Years after the ACOSOG Z0011 Trial First Publication.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the ACOSOG Z0011 trial on axillary breast cancer surgery management in Brazil following publication of that study (2010) and again in 2020. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey of members of the Brazilian Society of Mastology. RESULTS: Of 1627 breast surgeons, 799 (49.1%) completed and returned the questionnaire. For patients with the Z11 inclusion criteria, following detection of a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN), axillary dissection (AD) was recommended by 99.2% of respondents before publication of the study, 47.5% in 2010 and 18.5% in 2020 (p < 0.001). In breast-conserving surgery, if there were micro-metastases, 2.6% would perform AD, 30.3% axillary radiotherapy, and 67.1% no additional axillary treatment, while with macro-metastases, these proportions were 21.3%, 52.2%, and 26.5%, respectively. In cases of mastectomy and of nodal extracapsular extension, 43.4% and 36% of surgeons, respectively, recommended AD. For clinically negative axilla and suspicious findings at ultrasonography, 69% of the surgeons would apply the Z11 approach. Most applied the Z11 criteria in cases of younger patients (83.6%) and triple-negative and/or HER2 positive tumors (74%). AD was significantly more likely to be recommended by surgeons who did not work in academic institutes, who worked in locations other than capital cities, who were not board-certified, and who were ≥ 50 years old. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed substantial changes in axillary surgery management in cN0/pathologically positive SLN, particularly following publication of the updated Z11 results and other similar studies. A better education environment and long-term follow-up were factors associated with the incorporation of Z11-related changes in practice.

Management of non-invasive tumours, benign tumours and breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations based on a Latin American survey.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed health systems across the world, both in general hospitals and in oncology institutes or centres.For cancer specialists, particularly breast cancer (BC), the COVID-19 pandemic represents a combination of challenges since the hospital resources and staff have become more limited; this has obliged oncology specialists to seek a consensus and establish which patients with BC require more urgent attention and which patients can wait until there is a better control of this pandemic. The health system in Latin America has some special characteristics; in some of the countries, there are shortages which limit access to several specialities (surgery, clinical oncology and radiotherapy) in some regions. OBJECTIVE: After a systematic review of the most recent literature regarding the management of BC during the COVID-19 pandemic, the main objective is to understand the position of the different Latin American Societies of Mastology in terms of available alternatives for the treatment of BC. METHODS: After carrying out a comprehensive and exhaustive search of the most recent guides on the management of BC during the COVID-19 pandemic, the board members of the Latin American Federation of Mastology invited, via email, different specialists, all experts in BC care, to complete an anonymous survey online.The survey was distributed between 30 and 10 May 2020. The survey included 27 questions on four topics: demographic information, consultations, imaging and treatment of BC.The questionnaire was sent and then distributed to various health specialists including breast surgeons, clinical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists via the Presidents of the different Latin American Societies of Mastology in 18 countries. The results are summarised as tallies based on the number of responses to each question. RESULTS: A total of 499 responses were received. The majority of the respondents were males (275 (55.11%)); 290 participants were over 45 years (58.11%).The questionnaire presented those surveyed with three possible answers (agree, disagree and neither agree nor disagree). The results reflect that there was consensus in the majority of situations presented. Only seven questions revealed disagreement among those responding. The results are presented as recommendations. CONCLUSION: The management of patients with BC presents unique challenges during the current world health situation produced by COVID-19 pandemic. Breast care specialists (surgical oncologists, breast care clinicians, clinical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists) from 18 countries in Central and South America submitted through their responses and recommendations for the treatment of BC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Management of early breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted early breast cancer (EBC) treatment worldwide. This study analyzed how Brazilian breast specialists are managing EBC. METHODS: An electronic survey was conducted with members of the Brazilian Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (SBM) between April 30 and May 11, 2020. Bivariate analysis was used to describe changes in how specialists managed EBC at the beginning and during the pandemic, according to breast cancer subtype and oncoplastic surgery. RESULTS: The response rate was 34.4% (503/1462 specialists). Most of the respondents (324; 64.4%) lived in a state capital city, were board-certified as breast specialists (395; 78.5%) and either worked in an academic institute or one associated with breast cancer treatment (390; 77.5%). The best response rate was from the southeast of the country (240; 47.7%) followed by the northeast (128; 25.4%). At the beginning of the pandemic, 43% changed their management approach. As the outbreak progressed, this proportion increased to 69.8% (p < 0.001). The southeast of the country (p = 0.005) and the state capital cities (p < 0.001) were associated with changes at the beginning of the pandemic, while being female (p = 0.001) was associated with changes during the pandemic. For hormone receptor-positive tumors with the best prognosis (Ki-67 < 20%), 47.9% and 17.7% of specialists would recommend neoadjuvant endocrine therapy for postmenopausal and premenopausal women, respectively. For tumors with poorer prognosis (Ki-67 > 30%), 34% and 10.9% would recommend it for postmenopausal and premenopausal women, respectively. Menopausal status significantly affected whether the specialists changed their approach (p < 0.00001). For tumors ≥ 1.0 cm, 42.9% of respondents would recommend neoadjuvant systemic therapy for triple-negative tumors and 39.6% for HER2 + tumors. Overall, 63.4% would recommend immediate total breast reconstruction, while only 3.4% would recommend autologous reconstruction. In breast-conserving surgery, 75% would recommend partial breast reconstruction; however, 54.1% would contraindicate mammoplasty. Furthermore, 84.9% of respondents would not recommend prophylactic mastectomy in cases of BRCA mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Important changes occurred in EBC treatment, particularly for hormone receptor-positive tumors, as the outbreak progressed in each region. Systematic monitoring could assure appropriate breast cancer treatment, mitigating the impact of the pandemic.

Quality of Life and Climacteric Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women Receiving Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life and climacteric symptoms for post-menopausal women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer. METHODS: A prospective observational study of women treated at the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was conducted between 2015 and 2019. Post-menopausal patients who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and who were experiencing climacteric symptoms were selected. These patients had undergone surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy more than one year prior and were receiving tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. A total of 57 women were recruited and during visits completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index (KI), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life version-bref (WHOQOL-bref) scale. Repeated measures ANOVA, and Friedman and Pearson tests were conducted. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 54.4 ± 5.9 years, 86% had ductal carcinoma, 98% had undergone surgery, 70% had received chemotherapy, and 96% had received radiotherapy. Scores on the KI (P < 0.001) and WHOQOL-bref scale (P < 0.046) had improved by the 6-month follow-up. Correlation of the KI and WHOQOL-bref scales showed that less intense climacteric symptoms were associated with higher scores on quality of life domains, and these results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The correlation of the scales showed that reduction in climacteric symptoms is associated with significant improvements in quality of life measures.

Oncoplastic mammaplasty with geometric compensation: Evolution of the technique, outcomes and follow-up in a multicentre retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To report on the outcomes and evolution of an oncoplastic mammaplasty referred to as geometric compensation mammaplasty. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with malignant tumours were operated on and followed up in five centres in two countries. Preoperative markings were performed using a Wise pattern. The resection of affected skin was geometrically compensated using another area of preserved skin. RESULTS: Mean pathological tumour size was 30.42 ± 21.98 mm. Twenty tumours (30.77%) were locally advanced and 15 (20.55%) were multicentric. Twenty-two patients (34.38%) were submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cosmetic results were considered good or excellent in 59 cases (80.82%). Margins were positive in two cases (2.74%). Complications were partial wound dehiscence (n = 11; 15.07%), fat necrosis (n = 9; 12.33%), skin necrosis (n = 5; 6.85%), seromas (n = 5; 6.85%), enlarged scars (n = 7; 9.59%) and infection (n = 2; 2.74%). There were three cases of local recurrence (4.29%), two of bone metastasis (2.86%) and three of metachronous contralateral breast cancer (4.35%). No deaths were recorded within a mean follow-up of 35.33 ± 28.21 months. CONCLUSIONS: The technique allowed breast conservation in situations requiring a large resection of skin in difficult positions, with a high rate of free margins, correction of ptosis, satisfactory symmetry and few complications.

Autologous Breast Reconstruction With the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle With Immediate Fat Grafting: Long-term Results and Patient Satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe a variation of the breast reconstruction technique with myocutaneous flap of the fat-grafted latissimus dorsi muscle and its outcomes and evaluation of patient satisfaction. METHOD: This prospective cohort study included 18 patients and 19 reconstructed breasts, with 1 bilateral case. There were 7 cases of late reconstruction and 11 cases of immediate reconstruction. The flap was prepared with fat at the time of surgery, which was injected before its preparation. The evaluation of the results regarding shape, volume, and symmetry was performed through a satisfaction scale completed by patients and 2 physicians from 12 to 18 months after reconstruction. RESULTS: On average, 171.31 mL of fat was injected (100-275 mL); the average time of unilateral surgery was 3 hours 42 minutes (3 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes). After a mean follow-up of 26.38 months (13-38 months), we did not observe complications of this new technique. In the evaluation performed by patients regarding the shape, volume, and symmetry, more than 80% rated the outcome as excellent and good, and the evaluations by the medical team were also satisfactory. In the comparative analysis between immediate and late reconstruction, patients who underwent immediate reconstruction were more satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: This reconstruction technique with autologous fat injection was effective, with satisfactory and long-lasting results, and without the requirement for implants to set breast shape and volume.

Application of Breast Ultrasound Elastography to Differentiate Intracapsular Collection from Silicone-Induced Granuloma of Breast Implant Capsule Complementarily to Contrast-Enhanced Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether there is correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and breast elastography to differentiate seroma/hematoma from silicone-induced granuloma of breast implant capsule (SIGBIC). METHODS: Prospective study of 99 patients with breast implants submitted to breast MRI during the period from February 1 to May 1, 2017. Patients who present MRI findings of seroma/hematoma or SIGBIC were submitted to a complementary ultrasound elastography study to evaluate the correlation of the results. The criteria adopted for the diagnosis of granuloma by MRI were heterogeneous hypersignal in the T2-weighted sequences, late contrast enhancement, and black drop sign. Lesions that did not enhance after the use of contrast were considered as seroma/hematoma. By elastography, the results were considered positive for granuloma when presented as hard lesions, whereas seroma/hematoma presented as soft lesions. RESULTS: Of the 99 patients evaluated, 15 were included in the study. Of the 15 patients, 9 had solid intracapsular MRI masses, whereas 6 presented collections without contrast enhancement. The complementary elastography study showed correlation with MRI results in all cases of SIGBIC and seroma/hematoma, being elastography able to differentiate lesions from solid to cystic. CONCLUSIONS: Elastography of intracapsular masses in breast implants presented results compatible with those found by MRI to differentiate solid lesions from collections.

Evaluation of Aesthetic and Quality-of-Life Results after Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Definitive Form-Stable Anatomical Implants.

BACKGROUND: Although there are many reports on different techniques in breast reconstruction, there are few data regarding immediate breast reconstruction with definitive form-stable anatomical implants in terms of aesthetics and quality-of-life outcomes. METHODS: Ninety-four patients underwent mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction using anatomical implants and contralateral symmetrization. Aesthetic results were evaluated by three different methods: the patient's self-report, the assessment of four independent specialists (two breast surgeons and two plastic surgeons from different institutions), and the BCCT.core software. Quality of life was evaluated by means of the BREAST-Q instrument. RESULTS: Average age ± SD was 52.1 ± 11.6 years. Most of patients had medium size breasts and T1 tumors. Patients had evaluated their aesthetic results better than did software and specialists. There was no significant difference in the comparison between software and specialist's evaluation. Multifactorial analysis showed that age older than 70 years and radiotherapy were significant risk factors for poor aesthetic outcomes after immediate breast reconstruction with implants. Considering quality of life, most of the patients were satisfied with their outcome and psychosocial and sexual well-being. CONCLUSION: Immediate breast reconstruction with implants and contralateral symmetrization had a positive impact on the quality of life and showed satisfactory outcomes when evaluated by subjective and objective methods.

Long-Term Comparison of Aesthetical Outcomes After Oncoplastic Surgery and Lumpectomy in Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Lumpectomy may result in major deformities and asymmetries in approximately one-third of patients. Although oncoplastic surgery (OP) could be a useful alternative to avoid them, lack of strong data is causing some debate. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing OP versus lumpectomy using three different assessment methods. METHODS: A total of 122 patients were included in this cross-sectional multicentric study; 57 underwent OP (46.7 %), and 65 underwent lumpectomy (53.3 %). Two breast surgeons and two plastic surgeons from different institutions using the Garbay scale independently evaluated aesthetic outcomes. BCCT.core software was applied in both groups, and the patients evaluated their aesthetic outcomes answering a questionnaire about their satisfaction rate. RESULTS: OP group had a higher proportion of excellent aesthetic results according to the BCCT.core software analysis (p = 0.028) and the specialists (p = 0.002). Multifactorial analyses showed that age ≥70 years (RP = 6.02; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.73-21.0; p = 0.005), tumors in the medial, inferior, and central quadrants (RP = 4.21; 95 % CI 1.88-9.44; p < 0.001), and large breasts (RP = 7.55; 95 % CI 2.48-23.0; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for poor aesthetic outcomes after lumpectomy. The patients classified their results as better than those by the specialists and by the software, with no statistical difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent aesthetic results were more frequent in the OP group according to BCCT.core software analysis and specialists. In addition, some clinical conditions and tumor locations in the breast can be considered risky factors for poor aesthetic outcomes in lumpectomy.

Oncoplastic mammaplasty with geometric compensation--a technique for breast conservation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique of oncoplastic mammaplasty, referred to as geometric compensation, which is suitable for tumors close to the skin in areas not included in the classic preoperative drawings for mammaplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with malignant tumors were included. Preoperative markings followed the "Wise-pattern" technique. The resection of affected skin was geometrically compensated with another area of preserved skin. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.88 ± 12.14 years. Mean pathological tumor size was 43.82 ± 31.39 mm. There were 7 (41.18%) locally advanced tumors. Six patients (35.29%) were submitted to neoadjuvant and the remainder to adjuvant chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was indicated in all cases. Fifteen patients (88.24%) received hormone therapy. Ptosis was corrected in all cases. The aesthetic result was rated excellent in seven cases (41.18%), good in 7 (41.18%), and fair in three cases (17.65%). Surgical margins were free. A seroma developed in one case (5.88%), small fat necrosis in three (17.65%), and enlarged scar in one (5.88%). There were no recurrences within 28.24 ± 18.02 months. CONCLUSIONS: The technique allowed breast conservation in situations requiring large resection of affected skin, with free surgical margins, correction of ptosis, satisfactory symmetry, and few complications.

Interaction between cyclooxygenase-2 and insulin-like growth factor in breast cancer: A new field for prevention and treatment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and markers of cell proliferation and apoptosis, including, Bcl-2, Bax, Ki-67 and the type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor (IGF1-R) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), present in the same surgical specimen. A total of 110 cases were evaluated using tissue microarrays. Cases were classified in scores from 0 to 3 according to pre-defined methods. The results showed that the positivity rates were COX-2 in 87% of cases in DCIS and IDC; Bcl-2 in 55% of cases in DCIS and IDC; Bax in 23% of cases in IDC and 19% in DCIS, IGF-1 in 24% of cases in DCIS and IDC; and Ki-67 in 81% of cases in DCIS and IDC. We also observed a positive correlation between the expression of COX-2 and IGF1-R (p=0.045). Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between the expression of COX-2 and IGF1-R in DCIS and IDC, demonstrating that they are involved in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Further studies are required to prove the effectiveness of COX-2 and IGF1-R inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, as well as to explain their mechanism of action.

Short report: cysticercosis of the breast, a rare imaging finding.

Parasitic infection of the breast is rare, especially in cases of cysticercosis. This disease is acquired by ingestion of tapeworm eggs in contaminated food and water supplies or from hands improperly washed after a bowel movement. Diagnosis is usually made incidentally. We report a patient with cysticercosis of the breast. The patient was a 63-year-old woman who had no clinical manifestations, but cysticercus was observed to cause calcifications detected by mammography. Computed tomography demonstrated brain lesions. A definitive diagnosis of cysticercosis was made by demonstration of characteristic calcified larvae. The definitive diagnosis was confirmed by excisional surgery.