Outcome of multiple-wire localization for larger breast cancers: do multiple wires translate into additional imaging, biopsies, and recurrences?
BACKGROUND
Breast conservation is possible in breast cancer patients whose mammographic lesions are large enough to require multiple localizing wires for excision.


METHODS
A retrospective review of 112 patients who underwent multiple-wire and 160 controls who underwent single-wire lumpectomy for breast cancer. Rates of in-breast recurrence, metastasis, and additional imaging and biopsy procedures were calculated.


RESULTS
The median follow-up was 24 months. One multiple-wire and 2 single-wire patients developed in-breast recurrences (P = .84). No distant metastases developed among the multiple-wire patients. Additional follow-up imaging was obtained in 29% of multiple-wire and 22% of single-wire cases (P = .1). Seven (6%) of the multiple-wire and 11 (6%) of the single-wire cases underwent biopsy (P = .94).


CONCLUSIONS
We found no increased risk of early local recurrence, metastasis, or additional imaging or biopsies in patients requiring multiple-wire localization for lumpectomy. Breast conservation should be considered a safe option even for patients with mammographically extensive lesions.
Javid
Sara H
SH
Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Kirstein
Laurie J
LJ
Rafferty
Elizabeth
E
Lipsitz
Stuart
S
Moore
Richard
R
Rusby
Jennifer E
JE
Murphy
Colleen D
CD
Hughes
Kevin S
KS
Specht
Michelle C
MC
Taghian
Alphonse G
AG
Smith
Barbara L
BL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome