Periareolar Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction: A Reappraisal

INTRODUCTION

Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) is often used when tumor location prohibits performing a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). We examined a square excision of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and an X-shaped purse string closure after implant-based reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing periareolar SSM and immediate implant-based reconstruction from January 2015 through December 2022, specifically identifying those patients who had square NAC excision and skin closure.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. They underwent 54 periareolar SSM and immediate implant-based reconstruction (bilateral 25, unilateral 4). Indications for surgery were cancer (30) and prophylactic (24; 2 patients had bilateral cancer). Reconstructive methods included tissue expander (TE) (36 [66.7%]) and direct-to-implant (DTI) (18 [33.3%]). The mean mastectomy weights and final implant sizes were similar between the 2 groups. Overall wound complications occurred in 13 (24.1%) of the breasts: mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN; 10 [18.5%]) and infection (3 [5.6%]). Reconstructive failure occurred in 3 cases: TE, 1 (infection); DTI, 2 (MSFN/exposure). MSFN by reconstructive method: TE, 4 (11.1%); DTI, 6 (33.3%) (P = 0.05, comparing MSFN rates between TE and DTI methods). The mean initial TE fill volume was 247.1 cc; mean implant size in the DTI group was 417.8 cc (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The square NAC excision and closure can minimize the surgical incision in implant reconstruction. Two-stage TE reconstruction permits lower initial fill volumes, which reduces the risk of MSFN after box to X closure of SSM and implant-based reconstruction. It is useful in small- to moderate-sized breasts with mild ptosis in patients who are not candidates for NSM.

A Nomogram Based on Conventional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Pre-operative Prediction of Nipple-Areola Complex Involvement in Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

Accurately predicting nipple-areola complex (NAC) involvement in breast cancer is essential for identifying eligible patients for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. This study was aimed at developing a pre-operative nomogram for NAC involvement in breast cancer using conventional ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

METHODS

All patients with primary breast cancer confirmed by pre-operative biopsy underwent US and CEUS examinations. Post-operative pathology was used as the gold standard in assessing NAC involvement. Lasso regression was used to select the predictors most associated with NAC involvement. A nomogram was constructed to calculate the diagnostic efficacy. The data were internally verified with 500 bootstrapped replications, and a calibration curve was generated to validate the predictive capability.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients with primary breast cancer were included in this study, which included 16 patients (21.1%) with NAC involvement and 60 patients (78.9%) without NAC involvement. Among the 23 features of US and CEUS, Lasso regression selected one US feature and two CEUS features, namely, ductal echo extending from the lesion, ductal enhancement extending to the nipple and focal nipple enhancement. A nomogram was constructed, and the results revealed that the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 0.891, 81.3%, 86.7% and 85.5%, respectively. The calibration curve exhibited good consistency between the predicted probability and the actual probability.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram developed based on US and CEUS had good performance in predicting NAC involvement in breast cancer before surgery, which may facilitate the selection of suitable patients for NAC preservation with greater oncological safety.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features and Tumor-to-Nipple Distance for the Nipple-Areolar Complex Involvement of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the accuracy of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and tumor-to-nipple distance (TND) for diagnosing occult nipple-areolar complex (NAC) involvement in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published until March 20, 2022, excluding studies of patients with clinically evident NAC involvement or those treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies that reported the diagnostic performance of MRI imaging features such as continuity to the NAC, unilateral NAC enhancement, non-mass enhancement (NME) type, mass size (> 20 mm), and TND. Summary estimates of the sensitivity and specificity curves and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve of the MRI features for NAC involvement were calculated using random-effects models. We also calculated the TND cutoffs required to achieve predetermined specificity values.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (n = 4002 breast lesions) were analyzed. The pooled sensitivity and specificity (with 95% confidence intervals) for NAC involvement diagnosis were 71% (58-81) and 94% (91-96), respectively, for continuity to the NAC; 58% (45-70) and 97% (95-99), respectively, for unilateral NAC enhancement; 55% (46-64) and 83% (75-88), respectively, for NME type; and 88% (68-96) and 58% (40-75), respectively, for mass size (> 20 mm). TND had an area under the SROC curve of 0.799 for NAC involvement. A TND of 11.5 mm achieved a predetermined specificity of 85% with a sensitivity of 64%, and a TND of 12.3 mm yielded a predetermined specificity of 83% with a sensitivity of 65%.

CONCLUSION

Continuity to the NAC and unilateral NAC enhancement may help predict occult NAC involvement in breast cancer. To achieve the desired diagnostic performance with TND, a suitable cutoff value should be considered.

Preoperative Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Clinical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND

The use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the diagnosis of breast cancer by mammography and/or ultrasound is inconsistent.

METHODS

After conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing preoperative breast MRI versus no MRI, we reconvened to prepare a clinical practice guideline on this topic.

RESULTS

Based on the evidence that MRI improved recurrence, decreased the rates of reoperations (re-excisions or conversion mastectomy), and increased detection of synchronous contralateral breast cancer, we recommend that preoperative breast MRI should be considered on a case-by-case basis in patients diagnosed with breast cancer for whom additional information about disease extent could influence treatment. Based on stronger evidence, preoperative breast MRI is recommended in patients diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma for whom additional information about disease extent could influence treatment. For both recommendations, the decision to proceed with MRI would be conditional on shared decision-making between care providers and the patient, taking into account the benefits and risks of MRI as well as patient preferences. Based on the opinion of the Working Group, preoperative breast MRI is also recommended in the following more specific situations: (a) to aid in surgical planning of breast conserving surgery in patients with suspected or known multicentric or multifocal disease; (b) to identify additional lesions in patients with dense breasts; (c) to determine the presence of pectoralis major muscle/chest wall invasion in patients with posteriorly located tumours or when invasion of the pectoralis major muscle or chest wall is suspected; (d) to aid in surgical planning for skin/nipple-sparing mastectomies, autologous reconstruction, oncoplastic surgery, and breast conserving surgery with suspected nipple/areolar involvement; and (e) in patients with familial/hereditary breast cancer but who have not had recent breast MRI as part of screening or diagnosis.

A logarithmic model for hormone receptor-positive and breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive importance of the previously validated log(ER)*log(PgR)/Ki-67 predictive model in a larger patient population.

METHODS

Patients with hormone receptor positive/HER-2 negative and clinical node positive before chemotherapy were included. Log(ER)*log(PgR)/Ki-67 values of the patients were determined, and the ideal cutoff value was calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. It was analyzed with a logistic regression model along with other clinical and pathological characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 181 patients were included in the study. The ideal cutoff value for pathological response was 0.12 (area under the curve=0.585, p=0.032). In the univariate analysis, no statistical correlation was observed between luminal subtype (p=0.294), histological type (p=0.238), clinical t-stage (p=0.927), progesterone receptor level (p=0.261), Ki-67 cutoff value (p=0.425), and pathological complete response. There was a positive relationship between numerical increase in age and residual disease. As the grade of the patients increased, the probability of residual disease decreased. Patients with log(ER)*log(PgR)/Ki-67 above 0.12 had an approximately threefold increased risk of residual disease when compared to patients with 0.12 and below (odds ratio: 3.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.48-6.75, p=0.003). When age, grade, and logarithmic formula were assessed together, the logarithmic formula maintained its statistical significance (odds ratio: 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-5.69, p=0.034).

CONCLUSION

In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the logarithmic model has been shown in a larger patient population to be an inexpensive, easy, and rapidly applicable predictive marker that can be used to predict response.

A nomogram based on clinical factors for preoperative prediction of nipple involvement in breast cancer

Background

At present, the indication for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) remains inconclusive, and occult nipple involvement (NI) is one of the most important problems when carrying out NSM. Therefore, we aimed to identify the predictive factors of NI, to provide a tool for selecting suitable candidates for NSM.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 250 breast cancer patients who received mastectomy were recruited, and the association between NI and tumor clinicopathologic characteristics was investigated. Nipple signs, tumor size measured by ultrasound (US), and tumor location were developed as a nomogram to predict NI.

Results

Among the 250 patients, 34 (12.6%) had NI, and 216 (86.4%) did not. In the training group, NI was associated with nipple signs, tumor size, tumor–nipple distance (TND), tumor location, lymph node metastasis, and HER2 overexpression. Both in the training and in the validation groups, NI showed a significant association with nipple signs, tumor size measured by ultrasound, and tumor location. Based on these three clinical factors, the preoperative model nomogram was proved to have high efficiency in predicting NI, possessing a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 86.7% in the validation group.

Conclusions

We proposed a predictive model nomogram utilizing preoperative tumor characteristics, including nipple signs, tumor size measured by ultrasound, and tumor location. This predictive model could help in the planning of nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Nipple-sparing Mastectomy: What the Radiologist Should Know

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly offered to patients undergoing treatment of breast cancer and prophylaxis treatment for reduction of breast cancer risk. NSM is considered oncologically safe for appropriately selected patients and is associated with improved cosmetic outcomes and quality of life. Accepted indications for NSM have expanded in recent years, and currently only inflammatory breast cancer or malignancy involving the nipple is considered an absolute contraindication. Neoplasms close to and involving the nipple areolar complex are common, and cancer of the lactiferous ducts can spread to the nipple. Therefore, accurate determination of nipple involvement at imaging examinations is critical to identifying appropriate candidates for NSM and preventing local recurrence. Multiple imaging features have been described as predictors of nipple involvement, with tumor to nipple distance, enhancement between the index malignancy and the nipple, and nipple retraction demonstrating the highest predictive values. These features can be assessed at multimodality breast imaging, particularly at breast MRI, which demonstrates high specificity and negative predictive value for determining nipple involvement in malignancy. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Prediction of nipple-areolar complex involvement by breast cancer: role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI)

Background

Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomies were considered as alternative techniques for modified radical mastectomy. In patients who are candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, preoperative assessment of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is essential for adequate surgical planning. Breast MRI is highly sensitive for cancer detection and has an important role in disease staging. The aim of this study was to estimate the role of DCE-MRI in predicting malignant NAC invasion by underlying breast cancer and assess the best predictors on MRI that can suspect malignant NAC invasion.

Results

Out of the 125 patients with breast cancer, 33 patients (26.4%) showed malignant NAC invasion. On basis of multivariate analysis, abnormal nipple enhancement, tumor nipple enhancement, tumor nipple distance ≤ 2 cm, and abnormal and asymmetric nipple morphology were all significant predictors of malignant NAC invasion (P < 0.001) with abnormal unilateral nipple enhancement as the most important independent MRI predictor of malignant NAC invasion (odds ratio = 61.07, 95% CI 12.81–291.22, P < 0.001). When combining more than positive suspicious MRI features, DCE-MRI had 66.6% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 50% PPV, 86.4% NPV, and 73.6% accuracy in prediction of malignant NAC invasion.

Conclusion

DCE-MRI could predict malignant NAC invasion with abnormal unilateral nipple enhancement as the most important independent MRI predictor.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Nonmass Enhancement at Breast MRI in Predicting Tumor Involvement of the Nipple: A Prospective Study in a Single Institution

Background Although nonmass enhancement (NME) extension to the nipple at preoperative MRI frequently leads to sacrifice of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC), its correlation with pathologically confirmed NAC involvement is unclear. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of using NME extension to the subareolar region at breast MRI to predict pathologic nipple involvement and the eligibility for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Materials and Methods From November 2017 to November 2019, the authors prospectively enrolled participants with breast cancer and NME within 2 cm of the nipple at breast MRI who underwent surgery that included removal of the NAC. The authors evaluated NME extensions that were ipsilateral and contiguous with the biopsy-proven tumor lesions on images acquired during the early contrast phases. Pathologic nipple involvement and the distance from the nipple to the nearest cancer cell were evaluated by using serial vertical sectioning of the area extending from the entire NAC to the tumor. The primary end point was the positive predictive value (PPV) of NME, which was calculated as follows: (number with pathologic nipple invasion and NME extension to the nipple at breast MRI/number with NME extension to the nipple at breast MRI) × 100. Results Of 64 women (mean age, 52 years ± 9.8 [standard deviation]), 49 (77%) had NME extension to the nipple at breast MRI. The PPV of NME extension to the nipple was 86% (42 of 49 women; 95% CI: 73, 94). Among the 15 participants without NME extension to the nipple, only one (7%) had pathologic nipple involvement. The diagnostic accuracy of using NME extension to the nipple was 88% (56 of 64 women; 95% CI: 77, 95). The radiologic distance correlated well with the pathologic distance (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.71, P = .003). Conclusion Nonmass enhancement extension to the nipple base at preoperative MRI has a high positive predictive value for identifying tumor involvement of the nipple, a contraindication to nipple-sparing mastectomy. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

MIP image derived from abbreviated breast MRI: potential to reduce unnecessary sub-nipple biopsies during nipple-sparing mastectomy for breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the value of a maximum-intensity projection (MIP) image derived from abbreviated breast MRI for excluding occult nipple-areolar complex (NAC) involvement in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

This prospective study included breast cancer patients with clinically normal NACs between April 2016 and May 2019. Abbreviated breast MRI was performed, and an MIP image was generated for each patient. MIP images were examined for the following features: asymmetric nipple enhancement, tumor-nipple distance (TND), tumor diameter, lesion type, location, and multifocality. Independent predictive MIP features for occult NAC involvement were identified by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Models based on independent predictive MIP features were developed, and their diagnostic performances were evaluated using ROC analysis. The utility of an MIP image for excluding occult NAC involvement was assessed by considering NPVs across patient subgroups.

RESULTS

Eight hundred forty-three patients (67 NAC-positive and 776 NAC-negative) were enrolled. On MIP images, asymmetric nipple enhancement (odds ratio, 6.098; p < 0.001) and TND (odds ratio, 0.564; p = 0.003) were independent predictors of occult NAC involvement. A parallel test model of "asymmetric nipple enhancement or TND ≤ 15 mm" yielded the highest AUC value (0.838) among prediction models. The NPV of MIP images for excluding occult NAC involvement was 99.5%, which was applicable across various patient subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

A single MIP image derived from abbreviated breast MRI has utility for excluding occult NAC involvement in breast cancer patients and reducing the number of unnecessary sub-nipple biopsies in nipple-sparing mastectomy.

KEY POINTS

• On MIP images derived from abbreviated breast MRI, asymmetric nipple enhancement and tumor-nipple distance were independent predictors for occult nipple involvement in patients with breast cancer. • Negative findings on MIP image can help select patients at minimal risk of occult nipple involvement, for whom unnecessary intraoperative sub-nipple biopsies in nipple-sparing mastectomy can be omitted.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy for early breast cancer: the importance of intraoperative evaluation of retroareolar margins and intra-nipple duct removal

Background

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly performed for breast cancer (BC) treatment. To ensure local control with this procedure, it is important to obtain clear surgical margins. Here, we aimed to estimate the confidence in intraoperative evaluation of the retroareolar margin (IERM) and the necessity of removing the intra-nipple ducts.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 224 BC (infiltrating carcinoma 178, ductal carcinoma in situ 46) patients, who underwent NSM. IERM was determined via cytology and frozen sections. Following gland removal, the intra-nipple ducts were excised and embedded in paraffin for analysis. The retroareolar tissue was also paraffin-embedded and reanalyzed for definitive evaluation of retroareolar margins (DERM). The IERM predictive capacity in relation to DERM and the frequency of intra-nipple duct involvement were estimated.

Results

IERM classified the sub-nipple areolar complex area as cancer-free in 219 cases (97.8%). The condition of clear retroareolar margin was confirmed by DERM in 216 cases (98.6%). The IERM accuracy was estimated as 98.6%. Ductal carcinoma in situ was detected in intra-nipple ducts using paraffin sections in 1.8% of the cases, despite clear IERM (4/219).

Conclusions

In conclusion, IERM affords high accuracy and its results are suitable to manage the nipple-areolar complex. Nevertheless, some patients may retain residual disease in the intra-nipple ducts; thus, these ducts should ideally be removed during NSM.

The Radiologist's Role in a Breast Multidisciplinary Tumor Board

Breast multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) play an important role in determining treatment. This article serves as a guide for the radiologist participating in a breast MTB, as the information presented at MTB can significantly influence treatment plans and dictate future steps for further patient work-up. Multidisciplinary tumor board preparation involves a careful review of the patient's history while gathering all relevant imaging studies, and reinterpreting them when appropriate. Presented images should be carefully selected, annotated, and displayed clearly before providing final recommendations for localization and incompletely assessed findings. Anatomic staging factors from the AJCC Breast Cancer Staging System, such as tumor size and degree of suspected skin involvement, should be described. In addition, there are many other types of information that the treatment specialists want to know. The surgeon is interested in anatomic information that will help them decide whether breast conservation therapy is feasible or if local structures, such as the nipple, can be spared. The radiation oncologist may need to know whether accelerated partial breast irradiation is feasible or if postmastectomy radiation therapy is indicated. The medical oncologist is looking for factors that may provide an indication for neoadjuvant therapy and ensuring there is a reliable follow-up method for evaluating the response to treatment, such as comparative MRI. Additionally, all specialists need to know the extent of suspected nodal involvement. By clearly and comprehensively presenting this information to the rest of the MTB team, the radiologist provides a vital contribution that guides treatment and ensures adherence to clinical guidelines.

Role of diffusion-weighted imaging in prediction of nipple-areolar complex invasion by breast cancer

THE AIM OF THIS WORK

The aim of this work was to estimate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting malignant invasion of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) by underlying breast cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study included 70 female patients with breast cancer with a mean age of 45.8 years (range: 28-68). DWI of the breast was done for all patients. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were automatically constructed. The mean ADC values of NAC were independently measured by two observers who are experts in breast imaging and correlated with the results of histopathological examinations.

RESULTS

Both observers found a significantly lower ADC value of malignant NAC invasion (n = 18) when compared with free NAC (n = 52), with mean ADC value for malignant NAC invasion was 0.86 ± 0.35 × 10^-3 mm²/s and 0.84 ± 0.08 × 10^-3 mm²/s for observer one and two respectively versus mean ADC value of 1.34 ± 0.25 × 10^-3 mm²/s and 1.4 ± 0.26 × 10^-3 mm²/s for free NAC by observer one and two respectively (P-value =0.001). Observer one found that a cutoff ADC value of 1.05 × 0^-3 mm²/s can predict malignant NAC invasion with 0.975 AUC, 92.8% accuracy, 94.4% sensitivity, and 92.3% specificity. Observer two found that a cutoff ADC value of 0.95 × 10^-3 mm²/s can predict malignant NAC invasion with 0.992 AUC, 95.7% accuracy, 88.9% sensitivity, and 98.1% specificity.

CONCLUSION

DWI can predict malignant NAC invasion in patients with breast cancer.

Use of preoperative mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI to predict nipple areolar complex involvement in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To identify the predictive factors of cancer invading into the nipple.

METHODS

Patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy between May 2009 and March 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, those with breast cancer within 2 cm of the nipple areolar complex on ultrasonography were included in this study. Clinicopathological data of the primary tumor and imaging findings from mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI were compared between cases with and without nipple involvement by cancer.

RESULTS

In total, 156 of the 821 patients identified were included in the analysis. Of them, 29 had nipple involvement by cancer. Univariate analysis revealed that the following imaging results were significantly associated with nipple involvement: perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis; relation type between the tumor and the nipple on ultrasonography; periareolar skin thickening on mammography; and short tumor-nipple distance, continuous enhancement between the nipple and tumor, skin enhancement, and nipple enhancement on MRI. However, on multivariate logistic regression analysis, only invasion type of tumor on ultrasonography and nipple enhancement and short tumor-nipple distance on MRI were significantly correlated with nipple involvement by cancer.

CONCLUSION

Imaging findings on preoperative mammography, ultrasonography and MRI are effective predictors for nipple involvement by cancer.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Preoperative mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI help predict nipple involvement by breast cancer.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy: external validation of a three-dimensional automated method to predict nipple occult tumour involvement on preoperative breast MRI

BACKGROUND

Preoperative evaluation of nipple-areola complex (NAC) tumour involvement is crucial to select patients candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Our aim was to validate a previously developed automated method able to compute the three-dimensional (3D) tumour-to-NAC distance (the most predictive parameter of nipple involvement), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets acquired with a scanner and protocol different from those of the development phase.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 77 patients submitted to total mastectomy and preoperatively studied with MRI. The new method consisted of automated segmentation of both NAC and tumour and subsequent computation of the 3D distance between them; standard manual two-dimensional segmentation was independently performed. Paraffin-embedded section examination of the removed NAC was performed to identify the neoplastic involvement. The ability of both methods to discriminate between patients with and without NAC involvement was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

The 3D tumour-to-NAC distance was correctly computed for 72/77 patients (93.5%); tumour and NAC segmentation method failed in two and three cases, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the 3D automated method at best cut-off values was consistently better than that of the 2D manual method (sensitivity 78.3%, specificity 71.4%, positive predictive value 87.5%, negative predictive value 56.3%, and AUC 0.77 versus 73.9%, 61.2%, 47.2%, 83.3%, and 0.72, respectively), even if the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.431).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of the 3D automated method in a clinical setting could improve the diagnostic performance in the preoperative assessment of NAC tumour involvement.