BACKGROUND: Precise anatomical relationships between ducts and vasculature within the nipple remain unknown. This study investigated nipple microvessels and their position relative to ducts. METHODS: Nipple and duct bundle cross-sectional areas were measured in 48 specimens. Vessels located within the central duct bundle or within a peripheral rim were counted in 7 non-irradiated and 5 irradiated nipples. RESULTS: Mean nipple diameter was 11.1 mm and duct bundle diameter 5.2 mm. A 2-mm and a 3-mm peripheral rim of nipple tissue would result in complete duct excision in 96% and 87% of sections, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of vessels are located in the duct bundle. A 2-mm rim contains 50%; a 3-mm rim contains 66%. Similar proportions were seen in irradiated nipples. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a strategy to balance duct removal with vascular preservation. Ducts can be excised leaving a rim of nipple tissue that contains a large proportion of microvessels.
BACKGROUND: Precise anatomical relationships between ducts and vasculature within the nipple remain unknown. This study investigated nipple microvessels and their position relative to ducts. METHODS: Nipple and duct bundle cross-sectional areas were measured in 48 specimens. Vessels located within the central duct bundle or within a peripheral rim were counted in 7 non-irradiated and 5 irradiated nipples. RESULTS: Mean nipple diameter was 11.1 mm and duct bundle diameter 5.2 mm. A 2-mm and a 3-mm peripheral rim of nipple tissue would result in complete duct excision in 96% and 87% of sections, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of vessels are located in the duct bundle. A 2-mm rim contains 50%; a 3-mm rim contains 66%. Similar proportions were seen in irradiated nipples. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a strategy to balance duct removal with vascular preservation. Ducts can be excised leaving a rim of nipple tissue that contains a large proportion of microvessels.
Authors: Rebeca Neves Heinzen; Alfredo Carlos Simões Dornellas de Barros; Filomena Marino Carvalho; Fernando Nalesso Aguiar; Cristiane da Costa Bandeira Abrahão Nimir; Alfredo Luiz Jacomo Journal: Gland Surg Date: 2020-06
Authors: Zoran Radovanovic; Milan Ranisavljevic; Dragana Radovanovic; Ferenc Vicko; Tatjana Ivkovic-Kapicl; Nenad Solajic Journal: Breast Care (Basel) Date: 2018-06-20 Impact factor: 2.860