Anjay K Khandelwal1, Gerard A Garguilo. 1. Department of General Surgery, Temple University/Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, 1086 Franklin St., Johnstown, PA 15905, USA. anjayk@juno.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Axillary presentation of occult breast cancer (OBC) is uncommon, and continues to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to physicians. After our recent experience with a similar patient, a survey of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) was conducted to assess the Society's member's opinions on treatment. METHODS: A survey was sent by mail to 1837 members of the ASBS. The survey consisted of a brief case presentation after which the surgeon's preference for management of the breast was sought. The choices included "mastectomy," "whole breast radiation" or "other." RESULTS: A total of 776 (42%) responses were received. The majority of respondents, 338 or 43%, preferred "mastectomy," while 285 or 37% opted for "whole breast radiation." Twenty percent of respondents (153 responses) chose "other," of which 46 physicians (6% of total) indicated they would observe the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Although recent literature supports the use of whole breast radiation, these results demonstrate that a small majority of physicians still prefer mastectomy. The appropriate treatment of the breast after an axillary presentation of OBC continues to be a controversial issue.
BACKGROUND: Axillary presentation of occult breast cancer (OBC) is uncommon, and continues to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to physicians. After our recent experience with a similar patient, a survey of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) was conducted to assess the Society's member's opinions on treatment. METHODS: A survey was sent by mail to 1837 members of the ASBS. The survey consisted of a brief case presentation after which the surgeon's preference for management of the breast was sought. The choices included "mastectomy," "whole breast radiation" or "other." RESULTS: A total of 776 (42%) responses were received. The majority of respondents, 338 or 43%, preferred "mastectomy," while 285 or 37% opted for "whole breast radiation." Twenty percent of respondents (153 responses) chose "other," of which 46 physicians (6% of total) indicated they would observe the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Although recent literature supports the use of whole breast radiation, these results demonstrate that a small majority of physicians still prefer mastectomy. The appropriate treatment of the breast after an axillary presentation of OBC continues to be a controversial issue.
Authors: Sang Min Woo; Byung Ho Son; Jong Won Lee; Hee Jeong Kim; Jong Han Yu; Beom Seok Ko; Guiyun Sohn; Yu Ra Lee; Hanna Kim; Sei Hyun Ahn; Seung Hee Baek Journal: J Breast Cancer Date: 2013-12-31 Impact factor: 3.588