Postexcision mammography is indicated after resection of ductal carcinoma-in-situ of the breast.
BACKGROUND
The adequacy of excision of ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) usually is confirmed with specimen mammography and histopathological assessment of specimen margins. Postexcision mammography of the involved breast is used at some centers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of postexcision mammography in DCIS.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients treated for DCIS at our institution from 1995 to 1998.


RESULTS
Sixty-seven patients had postexcision mammography performed. Residual microcalcifications were identified in 16 patients (24%). Further surgery was precluded by precise mammographic-pathological correlation by using sliced-specimen mammography in two patients. Twelve patients had repeat wide excision, and two patients underwent mastectomy. Residual DCIS was identified at re-excision in 9 of 14 patients (64%). The margin status of the initial resection was negative in three of nine patients (33%) and positive or unknown in six of nine patients (67%).


CONCLUSIONS
Postexcision mammography is a valuable technique that complements specimen mammography and histopathological margin assessment in confirming that an adequate excision of DCIS has been performed. Postexcision mammography should be performed in all patients with DCIS associated with mammographic calcifications who are treated with breast-conserving therapy.
Waddell
B E
BE
Division of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, State University of New York at Buffalo 14263, USA.
Stomper
P C
PC
DeFazio
J L
JL
Hurd
T C
TC
Edge
S B
SB
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002285:Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards*; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D008499:Medical Records; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies