title: Detection of loco-regional recurrence after breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy.
abstract: This study evaluates the incidence, pattern and mode of detection of loco-regional recurrence (LRR) after conservative surgery for invasive breast cancer. Over an 11-year period, 354 patients were treated with wide local excision, axillary sampling and radiotherapy to the remaining breast. LRR occurred in 33 patients (9.3%). Local recurrence (LR) in the conserved breast occurred in 73% (24/33)of the patients while regional recurrence (RR) accounted for 9% (3/33). There were 6 (18%) patients with both local and regional recurrence. Recurrence was detected clinically in 85% (28/33) and mammographically in 15% (5/33) Of those patients who have had their recurrences detected clinically 61% (17/28) have died. None of the 5 patients with mammographic recurrences have died. Patients who develop LR after conservative surgery do better if the lesion is detected mammographically compared with those detected clinically (P < 0.03, Fisher's exact test). Mammography, in addition to regular clinical review, is an important aspect of the follow-up protocol after breast conserving surgery.
authors.affiliation: Breast Unit, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Hussian
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Gui
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Plowman
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Gilmore
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Allum
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local