Are there clinical and subclinical/pathological forms of Paget's disease of the breast?

Introduction: Breast disease management has changed over recent decades, related to molecular subtype, oncoplastic surgery and targeted therapies. Nevertheless, literature on Paget's disease of the breast (PDB), initially described as a clinical entity and now considered a multifocal/multicentric disease. Methods: PDB was classified as clinical in the presence of areolar abnormalities and as subclinical/pathological in all other cases. Clinical and prognostic data were evaluated and compared between the different presentation forms. Statistics comprised descriptive analysis, inter-group comparison (chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests) and overall and cancer-specific survival rates (Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test). Results: Of 85 patients included in this series, PDB was clinical in 58.8%. Overall, 27.1% had stage 0 and 92.9% had multifocal/multicentric disease. Most patients (83.5%) had the HER2 or luminal HER2 molecular subtype. Patients with clinical PDB had a higher rate of in situ disease (p=0.028) and were more likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery (p<0.001). Most of the 43 patients with HER2 invasive disease received anti-HER therapy. Mean follow-up time was 71.2 ± 43.3 months. Cancer-specific actuarial survival at 60 and 120 months was 92.3% and 83.1%, respectively. Survival was unaffected by the clinical form of PDB (p=0.275), anti-HER therapy (p=0.509) or oncoplastic surgery (p=0.821). Conversely, clinical stage affected survival significantly (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: PDB is a rare condition associated with multifocality/multicentricity and HER2 overexpression. Cases of clinical disease and those of subclinical/pathological disease differ significantly. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical/areolar disease and the impact of advances in breast disease management on PDB.

Ancestry and self-reported race in Brazilian breast cancer women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported race/color and ancestry in Brazilian patients with breast cancer. METHODS: This was an observational, transversal, epidemiological study, evaluating race and ancestry in 1,127 patients with breast cancer. For genetic ancestry, a 46-AIM-INDEL panel was used. The ancestral profile was evaluated with the Structure v.2.3.3 software. Descriptive statistics were performed. To assess differences between race and ancestry, an analysis of variance with Bonferoni adjustment was used. RESULTS: The race distribution was 77.7% white, 17.6% brown, 4.1% black, 0.4% yellow, and 0.3% cafuse. The African ancestry proportion was significantly (p<0.001) more evident in black [0.63±0.21 (0.17-0.96)], followed by brown [0.25±0.16 (0.02-0.70)], and less frequent in white skin color. The European ancestry proportion was significantly (p<0.001) higher in white [0.72±0.17 (0.02-0.97)], followed by brown [0.57±0.19 (0.12-0.92)], yellow [0.27±0.31 (0.12-0.620], and black [0.24±0.19 (0.02-0.72)]. The Asiatic ancestry proportion is significantly (p<0.001) higher in yellow [0.48±0.51 (0.04-0.93)]. The Amerindian ancestry proportion frequency was the least frequent in all groups, and cafuse patients did not express differences between all race groups. The brown race group presented differences in African and European ancestry. CONCLUSION: Although we found many similarities between white European ancestry, black African ancestry, and yellow Asian ancestry, there is great miscegenation between patients. Although they can be labeled as having one race, they do present many ancestral genes that would allow their inclusion in another race group.

Molecular subtypes as a prognostic breast cancer factor in women users of the São Paulo public health system, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the prognosis of women with breast cancer by molecular subtypes, sociodemographic variables, and clinical and treatment characteristics. METHODS: This hospital-based retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,654 women over 18 years of age diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2000 to 2018. Data were extracted from Brazil's Oncocenter Foundation of São Paulo. The variables analyzed were age, histology, molecular subtypes, clinical staging, treatment type, and diagnosis-to-treatment time. Cox regression analysis was applied to estimate death risk. RESULTS: Women with HER-2-positive (nonluminal) and triple-negative molecular subtypes were more than twice more likely to be at risk of death, with adjusted hazard ratio - HRadj=2.30 (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.34-3.94) and HRadj=2.51 (95%CI 1.61-3.92), respectively. A delayed treatment associated with an advanced clinical stage at diagnosis increased fourfold the risk of death (HRadj=4.20 (95%CI 2.36-7.49). CONCLUSION: In summary, besides that interaction between advanced clinical stage and longer time between diagnosis and treatment, HER-2-positive (nonluminal) and triple-negative phenotypes were associated with a worse prognosis. Therefore, actions to reduce barriers in diagnosis and treatment can provide better outcome, even in aggressive phenotypes.

Criteria for selection and classification of studies in medical events.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of study methodology and evaluation type on the selection of studies during the presentation of scientific events. METHODS: A prospective, observational, transversal approach was applied to a cohort of studies that were submitted for presentation at the 2021 Brazilian Breast Cancer Symposium. Three forms of criteria (CR) were presented. CR1 was based on six criteria (method, ethics, design, originality, promotion, and social contribution); CR2 graded the studies from 0 to 10 for each study, and CR3 was based on five criteria (presentation, method, originality, scientific knowledge, and social contribution). To evaluate the item correlation, Cronbach's alpha and factorial analysis were performed. For the evaluation of differences between the tests, we used the Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn tests. To determine the differences in the study classifications, we used the Friedman test and Namenyi's all-pairs comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 122 studies were evaluated. There was also a good correlation with the items concerning criterion 1 (α=0.730) and 3 (α=0.937). Evaluating CR1 methodology, study design and social contribution (p=0.741) represents the main factor and CR3 methodology, and the scientific contribution (p=0.994) represents the main factor. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in the results (p<0.001) for all the criteria that were used [CR1-CR2 (p<0.001), CR1-CR3 (p<0.001), and CR2-CR3 (p=0.004)]. The Friedman test showed differences in the ranking of the studies (p<0.001) for all studies (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Methodologies that use multiple criteria show good correlation and should be taken into account when ranking the best studies.

Sequels associated with breast cancer treatment: what is important to measure in a report

Breast cancer treatment is associated with functional sequelae that limit patients in their daily activities or work, impacting their quality of life. This fact becomes more noticeable in the Public System, the tumors are more advanced, leading to more aggressive treatments. Women with low education generally perform menial activities, playing an important role in family income. After cancer treatment, many are unable to carry out their usual activities, having difficulties with their work activities, requiring rehabilitation. These dysfunctions make it difficult or unfeasible to return to work, limiting family income. Knowledge of the Laws, the main sequelae and evaluation methodologies facilitates a more accurate diagnosis of functional conditions, determining the need for rehabilitation. Social Security provides economic support, but to have access to the benefit, a good report is necessary. This, well directed, helps the social security expert and the patients, who are generally so fragile by the disease and the treatment. In this article we discuss the main functional sequelae, how to evaluate them, and how to make a good report to be sent to an expert (AU)

Criteria for selection and classification of studies in medical events

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of study methodology and evaluation type on the selection of studies during the presentation of scientific events. METHODS: A prospective, observational, transversal approach was applied to a cohort of studies that were submitted for presentation at the 2021 Brazilian Breast Cancer Symposium. Three forms of criteria (CR) were presented. CR1 was based on six criteria (method, ethics, design, originality, promotion, and social contribution); CR2 graded the studies from 0 to 10 for each study, and CR3 was based on five criteria (presentation, method, originality, scientific knowledge, and social contribution). To evaluate the item correlation, Cronbach's alpha and factorial analysis were performed. For the evaluation of differences between the tests, we used the Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn tests. To determine the differences in the study classifications, we used the Friedman test and Namenyi's all-pairs comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 122 studies were evaluated. There was also a good correlation with the items concerning criterion 1 (α=0.730) and 3 (α=0.937). Evaluating CR1 methodology, study design and social contribution (p=0.741) represents the main factor and CR3 methodology, and the scientific contribution (p=0.994) represents the main factor. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in the results (p<0.001) for all the criteria that were used [CR1-CR2 (p<0.001), CR1-CR3 (p<0.001), and CR2-CR3 (p=0.004)]. The Friedman test showed differences in the ranking of the studies (p<0.001) for all studies (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Methodologies that use multiple criteria show good correlation and should be taken into account when ranking the best studies.

Molecular subtypes as a prognostic breast cancer factor in women users of the São Paulo public health system, Brazil / Subtipos moleculares como fator prognóstico do câncer de mama em mulheres usuárias do sistema público de saúde de São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prognosis of women with breast cancer by molecular subtypes, sociodemographic variables, and clinical and treatment characteristics. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,654 women over 18 years of age diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2000 to 2018. Data were extracted from Brazil's Oncocenter Foundation of São Paulo. The variables analyzed were age, histology, molecular subtypes, clinical staging, treatment type, and diagnosis-to-treatment time. Cox regression analysis was applied to estimate death risk. Results: Women with HER-2-positive (nonluminal) and triple-negative molecular subtypes were more than twice more likely to be at risk of death, with adjusted hazard ratio — HRadj=2.30 (95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.34-3.94) and HRadj=2.51 (95%CI 1.61-3.92), respectively. A delayed treatment associated with an advanced clinical stage at diagnosis increased fourfold the risk of death (HRadj=4.20 (95%CI 2.36-7.49). Conclusion: In summary, besides that interaction between advanced clinical stage and longer time between diagnosis and treatment, HER-2-positive (nonluminal) and triple-negative phenotypes were associated with a worse prognosis. Therefore, actions to reduce barriers in diagnosis and treatment can provide better outcome, even in aggressive phenotypes.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o prognóstico de mulheres com câncer de mama de acordo com os subtipos moleculares, variáveis sociodemográficas, características clínicas e de tratamento. Métodos: Este foi um estudo de coorte retrospectivo de base hospitalar. Foram analisadas 1.654 mulheres maiores de 18 anos diagnosticadas com câncer de mama invasivo entre 2000 a 2018. Os dados foram extraídos da Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo, Brasil. As variáveis analisadas foram idade, histologia, subtipo moleculares, estadiamento clínico, tipo de tratamento e tempo entre o diagnóstico e tratamento. A análise de regressão de Cox foi aplicada para estimar o risco de morte. Resultados: As mulheres que apresentaram os subtipos moleculares HER-2-positivo (não luminal) e triplo negativo tiveram risco de morte quase duas vezes maior respectivamente, com razão de risco ajustada — HRaj=2,30 (intervalo de confiança de 95% — 95%IC 1,34-3,94) e HRaj=2,51 (95%IC 1,61-3,92). O atraso no tratamento associado ao avanço do estadiamento clínico ao diagnóstico aumentou em quatro vezes o risco de morte (HRaj=4,20 (IC95% 2,36-7,49). Conclusão: Os fenótipos HER-2-positivo (não luminal) e triplo negativo, além da interação entre estágio clínico avançado e maior tempo entre o diagnóstico e o tratamento, associaram-se a pior prognóstico. Assim, ações para reduzir as barreiras no diagnóstico e tratamento podem proporcionar melhores resultados, mesmo em fenótipos agressivos.

Ancestry and self-reported race in Brazilian breast cancer women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported race/color and ancestry in Brazilian patients with breast cancer. METHODS: This was an observational, transversal, epidemiological study, evaluating race and ancestry in 1,127 patients with breast cancer. For genetic ancestry, a 46-AIM-INDEL panel was used. The ancestral profile was evaluated with the Structure v.2.3.3 software. Descriptive statistics were performed. To assess differences between race and ancestry, an analysis of variance with Bonferoni adjustment was used. RESULTS: The race distribution was 77.7% white, 17.6% brown, 4.1% black, 0.4% yellow, and 0.3% cafuse. The African ancestry proportion was significantly (p<0.001) more evident in black [0.63±0.21 (0.17-0.96)], followed by brown [0.25±0.16 (0.02-0.70)], and less frequent in white skin color. The European ancestry proportion was significantly (p<0.001) higher in white [0.72±0.17 (0.02-0.97)], followed by brown [0.57±0.19 (0.12-0.92)], yellow [0.27±0.31 (0.12-0.620], and black [0.24±0.19 (0.02-0.72)]. The Asiatic ancestry proportion is significantly (p<0.001) higher in yellow [0.48±0.51 (0.04-0.93)]. The Amerindian ancestry proportion frequency was the least frequent in all groups, and cafuse patients did not express differences between all race groups. The brown race group presented differences in African and European ancestry. CONCLUSION: Although we found many similarities between white European ancestry, black African ancestry, and yellow Asian ancestry, there is great miscegenation between patients. Although they can be labeled as having one race, they do present many ancestral genes that would allow their inclusion in another race group.

Extreme oncoplasty: past, present and future.

Breast surgery has evolved from mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Breast oncoplastic surgery later emerged with the inclusion and development of techniques used in plastic surgery for breast neoplasms. Recently, a new paradigm has been considered for mastectomy candidates with large multifocal and multicentric tumours, designated extreme oncoplasty (EO), which has allowed new techniques to be applied to tumours that would have been ineligible for BCS before. There are few publications and no uniform descriptions grouping all the technical possibilities and new indications together. We performed this a review with the objective of evaluating the indications and surgeries performed in the EO context, representing a new perspective for BCS. We observed new indications as extensive microcalcifications, locally advanced breast carcinoma with partial response to chemotherapy, small to moderate-sized non-ptotic central tumours and extreme ptosis. Small breasts are able for EO since the presence of ptosis. New surgeries are reported as disguised geometric compensation, perforators flaps, local/regional flaps, latissimus dorsi miniflap and partial breast amputation. It is important to decrease barriers to oncoplastic surgery if we want to increase the use of EO and BCS rates.

Use of Double Myocutaneous Flap after Extended Resection of Locally Advanced Ulcerated Breast Carcinoma.

Locally advanced ulcerated breast neoplasm is a condition that frequently occurs in developing countries. Generally, it is centrally localized and submitted to neoadjuvant therapy; thereafter, upon disappearance of the ulceration, it is submitted to radical mastectomy. Presence of axillary infiltration and ulceration with incomplete response makes it necessary for the use of surgical flaps for skin closure. We report a case in which primary reconstructive surgical procedure and skin closure was necessary, where we used double myocutaneous flaps-the latissimus dorsi and VRAM (vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap. We discussed treatment of the ulcerated lesions, possible surgical solutions, and the conditions associated with the use of double flaps. For primary closure of extensive areas, double myocutaneous flaps can be used as a solution in cases where skin grafts or surgical microsurgical flaps are not able to serve as a surgical solution. Myocutaneous flaps are associated with lower rates of complication, allowing for rapid recovery without increasing the time necessary before the next adjuvant therapy.

Does breast oncoplastic surgery improve quality of life?

Breast Oncoplastic Surgery (OS) has established itself as a safe procedure associated with the treatment of breast cancer, but the term is broad, encompassing procedures associated with breast-conserving surgeries (BCS), conservative mastectomies and fat grafting. Surgeons believe that OS is associated with an increase in quality of life (QOL), but the diversity of QOL questionnaires and therapeutic modalities makes it difficult to assess from the patient's perspective. To answer this question, we performed a search for systematic reviews on QOL associated with different COM procedures, and in their absence, we selected case-control studies, discussing the main results. We observed that: (1) Patients undergoing BCS or breast reconstruction have improved QoL compared to those undergoing mastectomy; (2) In patients undergoing BCS, OS has not yet shown an improvement in QOL, a fact possibly influenced by patient selection bias; (3) In patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction, the QoL results are superior when the reconstruction is performed with autologous flaps and when the areola is preserved; (4) Prepectoral implants improves QOL in relation to subpectoral implant-based breast reconstruction; (5) ADM do not improves QOL; (6) In patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomy, satisfaction is high with the indication, but the patient must be informed about the potential complications associated with the procedure; (7) Satisfaction is high after performing fat grafting. It is observed that, in general, OS increases QOL, and when evaluating the procedures, any preservation or repair, or the use of autologous tissues, increases QOL, justifying OS.

Lymphedema secondary to bartonellosis as a differential diagnosis of breast cancer

In the presence of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy associated with a breast radiological finding, breast cancer should constitute the main differential diagnosis. This fact is intensified when there is associated lymphedema. We present a case of a patient in these conditions, for whom breast cancer was not confirmed, and a subsequent evaluation showed that it was cat-scratch disease. This report constitutes the second case of association between lymphedema and bartollenosis.

Oncoplastic Surgery in Breast-Conserving Treatment: Patient Profile and Impact on Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Breast-conserving treatment (BCT) provides better quality of life (QL) than mastectomy without reconstruction. Oncoplastic surgery (OS) encompasses a series of surgical techniques, increasing the indications for BCT, but few studies have evaluated the impact on QL in patients who undergo BCT with OS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in women who underwent BCT. We evaluated the characteristics of patients who underwent BCT with and without OS and the associated QL. QL was assessed through the EORTC QLQ-30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, and Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS) questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients underwent BCT, 72 underwent breast OS, and 37 underwent bilateral surgery. Patients who underwent OS were younger (p = 0.004), had a higher level of education (p = 0.01), had a smaller time interval since the end of treatment (p = 0.02), had tumours with greater dimensions (p = 0.003), and were more likely to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.05). Based on the QL questionnaires, no difference was observed between the groups. Breast symmetry was not associated with high patient satisfaction (p = 0.55). CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that OS was performed in patients with worse tumour conditions and in more demanding patients, OS allowed similar cosmetic results to classical BCT.

New criteria for breast symmetry evaluation after breast conserving surgery for cancer.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate symmetry after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for cancer. METHODS: a prospective study of patients undergoing BCS. These patients were photographed using the same criteria of evaluation. The references points used were the nipple height difference (NH), the nipple-manubrium distances (NM), nipple-sternum distances (NS) and the angle between the intramammary fold and the nipple (nipple angle; NA). ImageJ software was used. Three breast symmetry models were evaluated: excellent/others (model 1), excellent-good/others (model 2) and others/poor (model 3). The ROC curve was used to select acceptable criteria for the evaluation of symmetry. Decision tree model analysis was performed. RESULTS: a total of 274 women were evaluated. The BCCT.core result was excellent in 5.8% (16), good in 24.1% (66), fair in 46.4% (127) and poor in 23.7% (65). The difference in NH was associated with good breast area (0.837-0.846); acceptable differences were below 3.1 cm, while unacceptable values were greater than 6.4 cm. Differences in the NM were associated with average breast area (0.709-0.789); a difference in value of less than 4.5 cm was acceptable, while values greater than 6.3 cm were unacceptable. In the decision tree combined model, a good-excellent outcome for patients with differential (d) dNH = 1 (0 to 5.30 cm) and dNM ≠ 3 (<6.28 cm); and for a poor/poor result, values dNM = 3 (> 6.35). CONCLUSIONS: the results presented here are simple tools that can assist the surgeon for breast symmetry evaluation.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in T3 and T4b Breast Cancer Patients: Analysis in a Tertiary Cancer Hospital and Systematic Literature Review.

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 n = 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.

Breast-conserving treatment in oncoplastic times: indications, cosmesis, and quality of life

Breast-conserving treatment was established as an oncologically safe procedure for breast cancer. However, the cosmetic outcomes of breast-conserving treatments are often unsatisfactory. In this scenario, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery incorporated plastic surgery concepts and techniques into the oncological treatment in order to ensure better cosmesis, thus increasing the indications for breast-conserving treatment. At the same time, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery is usually presented as a generic term, which should be evaluated taking many aspects into account: indication, patient selection, the surgery itself, cosmetic quality, and quality of life ­ data that are still scarce in the literature.

New criteria for breast symmetry evaluation after breast conserving surgery for cancer / Novos critérios para avaliação da simetria da mama após cirurgia conservadora de câncer

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate symmetry after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for cancer. Methods: a prospective study of patients undergoing BCS. These patients were photographed using the same criteria of evaluation. The references points used were the nipple height difference (NH), the nipple-manubrium distances (NM), nipple-sternum distances (NS) and the angle between the intramammary fold and the nipple (nipple angle; NA). ImageJ software was used. Three breast symmetry models were evaluated: excellent/others (model 1), excellent-good/others (model 2) and others/poor (model 3). The ROC curve was used to select acceptable criteria for the evaluation of symmetry. Decision tree model analysis was performed. Results: a total of 274 women were evaluated. The BCCT.core result was excellent in 5.8% (16), good in 24.1% (66), fair in 46.4% (127) and poor in 23.7% (65). The difference in NH was associated with good breast area (0.837-0.846); acceptable differences were below 3.1 cm, while unacceptable values were greater than 6.4 cm. Differences in the NM were associated with average breast area (0.709-0.789); a difference in value of less than 4.5 cm was acceptable, while values greater than 6.3 cm were unacceptable. In the decision tree combined model, a good-excellent outcome for patients with differential (d) dNH = 1 (0 to 5.30 cm) and dNM ≠ 3 (<6.28 cm); and for a poor/poor result, values dNM = 3 (> 6.35). Conclusions: the results presented here are simple tools that can assist the surgeon for breast symmetry evaluation.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar simetria após a cirurgia conservadora da mama (CCM) para câncer. Métodos: estudo prospectivo de pacientes submetidos à CCM, as quais foram fotografadas segundo os mesmos critérios de avaliação. Os pontos de referência utilizados foram a diferença de altura do mamilo (AM), a distância mamilo-manúbrio (MM), a distância mamilo-esterno (ME) e o ângulo entre o sulco intramamário e o mamilo (ângulo mamilo; AnM). Foi usado o programa ImageJ. Avaliamos três modelos de simetria mamária: excelente/outros (modelo 1), excelente-bom/outros (modelo 2) e outros/ruim (modelo 3). Aplicamos a curva ROC para selecionar os critérios aceitáveis para a avaliação da simetria. Realizamos análise com o modelo de árvore de decisão. Resultados: foram avaliadas 274 mulheres. Os resultados do BCCT.core foram excelentes em 5,8% (16), bons em 24,1% (66), regulares em 46,4% (127) e ruins em 23,7% (65). A diferença de AM (dAM) foi associada a boa área mamária (0,837-0,846); diferenças aceitáveis foram inferiores a 3,1 cm, enquanto os valores inaceitáveis foram superiores a 6,4 cm. As diferenças MM (dMM) foram associadas à área regular das mamas (0,709-0,789); diferença de valor inferior a 4,5 cm foi aceitável, enquanto valores superiores a 6,3 cm foram inaceitáveis. O modelo combinado de árvore de decisão demonstrou resultado bom-excelente para pacientes com diferencial (d) dAM = 1 (0 a 5,30 cm) e dMM ≠ 3 (< 6,28 cm), e resultado ruim/ruim com dMM = 3 (> 6,35 cm). Conclusões: os resultados aqui apresentados são ferramentas simples que podem auxiliar o cirurgião na avaliação da simetria mamária.

VRAM flap for locally advanced breast cancer

The authors presented a case of a patient with locally advanced breast cancer, with mammary and axillary localization, initially considered non-resectable, with good response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Due to the location of the lesion and the need for extensive resection, radical mastectomy was performed, associated with reconstruction with myocutaneous flap of the vertical rectus abdominis muscle. Different therapeutic options, the reasons that determine this choice, and local long-term control were discussed.