What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine via pathologic examination the frequency of residual cancer remaining in breast and axillary tissue after simulated partial mastectomy.

March 1, 1975CancerOpen Access

“Residual” mammary carcinoma following simulated partial mastectomy

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Pathologic simulation reveals residual carcinoma and nodal metastases in breast cancer specimens, highlighting risks of incomplete tumor removal.

To determine via pathologic examination the frequency of residual cancer remaining in breast and axillary tissue after simulated partial mastectomy.
Simulated partial mastectomy in 203 mastectomy specimens obtained from operations for unilateral invasive carcinoma.
Ensured gross excision of the entire primary tumor within the resected quadrant, followed by pathological examination of remaining breast and axillary tissue.
In tumors <2 cm (N=100), 26% retained residual breast cancer (6% with axillary metastases) and an additional 30% harbored axillary metastases alone; for tumors >2 cm, 38% had residual breast cancer, with 29% also presenting axillary metastases.
Residual cancer occurred in 80% of subareolar tumors versus 25% to 35% of quadrant tumors, whereas none of the 9 patients with medullary or colloid carcinomas under 2 cm had residual or nodal disease.
Age, axillary status, and mammogram findings showed no significant predictive value for residual tissue cancer, whereas tumor size and family history were linked to multifocal disease.

Rosen et al. (1975) studied this question.

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Pathologic simulation reveals residual carcinoma and nodal metastases in breast cancer specimens, highlighting risks of incomplete tumor removal.