Surrounding rim formation and reduction in size after radiofrequency ablation for primary breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has recently been used to treat small breast cancer. However, there are no data on the long-term morphological features after the procedure. The present study attempts to clarify the characteristics of and changes in the ablated lesion.


METHODS
A total of 17 breast cancer patients underwent RFA using a single needle featuring an internally cooled electrode; this was followed by whole-breast irradiation and adjuvant systemic therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 1.5-T system was performed before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation, and the morphological characteristics and the size of the ablated lesion were evaluated. Mammography was also performed for a comparison with the MRI measurement.


RESULTS
MRI displayed no residual enhancement of the tumor after RFA; there was an altered signal intensity with peripheral enhancement, however, and the area decreased in size gradually at a rate of 3.3% per month. Mammography showed a ring surrounding a roundish area whose size was equal to that seen with MRI.


CONCLUSIONS
Our current series demonstrated the morphological characteristics on breast imaging after RFA plus radiation therapy. The size of the ablated area decreased over time. These findings are valuable for clinical follow-up of breast cancer patients undergoing RFA.
Nagashima
Takeshi
T
Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-0856, Japan. nagasima-cib@umin.ac.jp
Sakakibara
Masahiro
M
Sangai
Takafumi
T
Kazama
Toshiki
T
Fujimoto
Hiroshi
H
Miyazaki
Masaru
M
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA