Local recurrence of breast cancer: its significance in relation to breast reconstruction.

Questions regarding local recurrences are a major concern in considering mastectomy patients for breast reconstruction. A critical analysis of the literature on local recurrences indirectly provides answers to several of these concerns. Local recurrence is a relatively predictable event, and is uncommon in those with a favourable breast cancer. Its presence reflects concurrent systemic disease which is usually lethal within a short time. Concern over subsequent local recurrences should not be a contraindication to breast reconstruction in selected patients.