Candidates For Nipple-sparing Mastectomy Research Articles

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.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy versus Skin-Sparing Mastectomy: Does Saving the Nipple Impact Short- and Long-Term Patient Satisfaction?

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is an oncologically safe alternative to skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM). This study evaluated whether NSM patients were more satisfied than SSM patients in short- and long-term follow-up. Women who underwent NSM or SSM between 2009 and 2019 completed a postoperative BREAST-Q survey at least 1 year after surgery and patient characteristics were compared. Patient satisfaction at 1-5years and 6-10years after NSM and SSM were analyzed. Overall, 431 patients were included; 247 had NSM and 184 had SSM 1-10years prior to BREAST-Q survey completion. SSM patients were older, had higher body mass index (BMI), larger breast weight, and more hypertension than NSM patients, but oncologic treatments were similar between groups. BREAST-Q Psychosocial Well-Being and Sexual Well-Being scores were significantly higher in NSM patients compared with SSM patients in the 1-5years cohort; however, scores attenuated in the 6-10years cohort. Satisfaction with breasts was nearly significantly higher in NSM patients compared with SSM patients in the 1-5years cohort (p=0.056), but no different in the 6-10years cohort. Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, receipt of postmastectomy radiation therapy, and BMI ≥30 were independent risk factors for dissatisfaction with breasts. Women who are not candidates for NSM should be reassured that long-term qualify of life is not significantly different between SSM and NSM. Dissatisfaction with reconstructed breasts is linked with other factors (besides the nipple), which patients should be made aware of at the time of surgical decision making.

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

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

Intraoperative sub-areolar frozen section analysis for detecting nipple involvement in candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy

Intraoperative sub-areolar frozen section analysis for detecting nipple involvement in candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy

Immediate Reconstruction of Large Ptotic Breasts following Vertical Reduction Pattern Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

PurposeWomen with large and/or ptotic breasts are generally not considered candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy because of concerns regarding the high incidence of postoperative complications including ischemic complications. Therefore, we adopted a vertical skin resection technique for nipple-sparing mastectomy, and obtained satisfactory results following immediate autologous breast reconstruction. In this study, we aimed to describe our operative technique and review its outcomes.MethodsBetween January 2010 and March 2017, immediate autologous breast reconstructions were performed in 28 patients with moderate or large ptotic breasts after nipple-sparing mastectomy using the vertical reduction pattern. Grade II ptosis was observed in 12 patients, and 16 patients were classified as having grade III ptosis.ResultsOf the 28 patients, 21 received abdominal free flap reconstruction. In the remaining 7 patients, extended latissimus dorsi flaps were used in conjunction with anatomic implants. The mean weight of the excised breast tissue in the 2 groups was 575 g and 482 g, respectively. Satisfactory esthetic outcomes without major complications were achieved in all patients. Similar vertical reductions or mastopexies in the contralateral breast allowed better postoperative adjustment for symmetry. There was only 1 case of complete nipple necrosis; however, the problem was solved with “skin banking.” No local recurrences or distant metastases were detected at follow-up (mean 18 months, range 4 months to 6 years).ConclusionTo enhance cosmetic outcomes in patients with large and/or ptotic breasts, the vertical skin resection pattern for nipple-sparing mastectomy can be used to achieve better breast shape while preserving the nipple-areola complex. Moreover, it can improve the esthetic outcome without compromising oncologic safety.

Free Nipple Grafting and Nipple Sharing in Autologous Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy.

Summary:Nipple sparing mastectomy is gaining popularity in recent years, as it provides superior aesthetic results and has a positive impact on the psychological well-being of patients. However, patients with macromastia and high grade ptosis are not good candidates for nipple sparing mastectomy due to a high risk for nipple necrosis; for these patients, the free nipple grafting (FNG) is an excellent option following autologous reconstruction. We herein present our experience with FNG for women with large and ptotic breasts undergoing mastectomy and autologous reconstruction. We also present the option of splitting a single nipple-areolar complex to provide 2 grafts for bilateral nipple reconstruction. This retrospective study is based on data collected between 2014 and 2019 at a single institution. We report on 7 patients (13 grafts): 5 patients underwent FNG (4 bilateral, 1 unilateral) and 2 patients had a single nipple split into 2 parts to create 2 nipple-areolar complexes. Of the 13 grafts, 9 had complete take, 3 had almost complete take, and only 1 graft was lost. Overall patient satisfaction from the procedure was high. The use of FNG is an excellent reconstructive option, as it preserves the patient’s own nipple in terms of color, shape, and texture. The procedure can be executed as part of a direct single-staged reconstruction for patients who are at a high risk for nipple necrosis.

A Strategic Approach to Nipple-sparing Mastectomy Reconstruction with a Wide-based Inframammary Fold Flap.

Summary:The single biggest advancement in the aesthetic outcome of breast reconstruction following mastectomy has been the contribution of nipple-sparing mastectomy. By preserving the nipple–areolar complex, patients do not experience the same sense of loss that is observed in the setting of skin-sparing mastectomy. Despite this significant contribution, the challenge remains as to how surgeons can extend this option to larger-breasted patients or patients with significant breast ptosis. Several strategies have been described, including reduction mammoplasty before mastectomy, bipedicled simultaneous mastopexy with mastectomy, and free nipple grafting. The authors have developed a novel approach to nipple-sparing mastectomy that preserves the nipple–areolar complex on a wide-based inframammary fold (IMF) flap and uses indocyanine green perfusion imaging to successfully and reliably perform nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in larger-breasted ptotic patients. Six patients underwent bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction with a wide-based IMF flap. All patients underwent immediate reconstruction with prepectoral placement of tissue expanders to treat either breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and all patients successfully completed exchange of expander to implant. There were no complications with infection, seroma, mastectomy flap, or nipple necrosis. Aesthetic results were in line with other nipple-sparing techniques. The wide-based IMF flap with nipple preservation is a viable option for larger-breasted ptotic patients who might not otherwise be candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy. The approach described is a combination of surgical technique and indocyanine green perfusion technology to deliver reproducible results, with an emphasis on surgical safety and avoidance of complications.

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

BackgroundPreoperative 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionsThe introduction of the 3D automated method in a clinical setting could improve the diagnostic performance in the preoperative assessment of NAC tumour involvement.

A novel nipple-areola complex involvement predictive index for indicating nipple-sparing mastectomy in breast cancer patients.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used in breast cancer patients, as it offers better cosmetic outcomes and improves quality of life. Nipple-areola complex (NAC) involvement must be accurately determined to identify which patients may be candidates for NSM. We aimed to identify the predictors of NAC involvement and develop a clinical predictive model to determine the patients for whom NAC preservation may be considered. Patients (n = 168) with primary operable breast cancer who underwent subcutaneous mastectomy for breast reconstruction at Saitama Medical Center from July 2013 to December 2017 were selected from the hospital's surgical database. The clinicopathological factors of tumor size ≧ 4cm (p < 0.001), nipple-to-tumor distance (NTD) < 1cm by mammography (p = 0.002), NTD < 1cm by magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) (p < 0.001), nipple contrast findings by MRI (p < 0.001), tumor in central portion (p < 0.001), multicentric/focal lesion (p < 0.001), and clinical node involvement (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with the presence of NAC involvement. Each predictor was scored 0 or 1. A score of 0-3 points was defined as low risk, 4 points as intermediate risk, and 5-7 points as high risk. Using these classification criteria, NAC involvement rate was determined to be 3.5% in low-risk, 68.7% in intermediate-risk, and 90.0% in high-risk specimens. A significant correlation was observed between the risk group and NAC involvement (p < 0.001). This nipple-areola complex involvement predictive index can be used to determine the appropriate indication for NSM in breast cancer patients who request NAC preservation with more oncological safety.

Deepithelialized Skin Reduction Preserves Skin and Nipple Perfusion in Immediate Reconstruction of Large and Ptotic Breasts.

Women with large and/or ptotic breasts are often not considered candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and/or immediate breast reconstruction given difficulties avoiding ischemic complications and achieving a favorable aesthetic result. We report a novel technique involving deepithelialized skin reduction to simultaneously reduce the skin envelope and preserve perfusion to the skin and nipple in immediate breast reconstruction for women that fit this high-risk anatomic profile. We reviewed cases of NSM and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate implant-based and free autologous reconstruction by a single plastic surgeon from 2013 to 2017. All patients had at least size C cup breasts (>500 g) and/or grade 3 ptosis. Select patients undergoing NSM had devascularization of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) 1 to 2 months before surgery to promote adaptive circulatory change. After mastectomy, skin reductions were performed via Wise, periareolar, or circumareolar reduction patterns, with infolding of a deepithelialized inferior and periareolar skin flap over a tissue expander or free flap. In NSM, the nipple was advanced superiorly and redirected through a keyhole of deepithelialized skin flap. Patients had an average age of 43.6 years and body mass index of 27.7. A total of 33 breasts in 19 patients (14 bilateral, 5 unilateral) underwent deepithelialized skin reduction. There were 14 NSM and 19 SSM. Reconstructions consisted of 13 tissue expanders exchanged to implants and 20 abdominally-based free flaps. Four patients underwent devascularization of the NAC before NSM. Six (18%) breasts had partial thickness flap loss that healed by delayed primary (n = 1) or secondary (n = 5) intention. Four nipples, all in patients without prior NAC devascularization, had ischemic complications (2 epidermolysis, 12.5%; 2 partial necrosis, 12.5%), which all healed by secondary intention with the exception of 1 case of NAC removal. Skin reduction with deepithelialization and tissue infolding preserves dermal plexus perfusion and promotes nipple and skin flap survival in immediate implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction after SSM and NSM. This technique can be combined with NAC devascularization to further promote nipple perfusion. Overall, this method offers an acceptable complication rate and the potential to expand the reconstructive options available to women with large and/or ptotic breasts.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy has evolved to preserve the native skin and nipple of the breast and create a natural-appearing reconstruction in 1 or 2 surgeries. Nipple-sparing procedures appear to be oncologically safe with low risks of cancer recurrence. In our series of 2,182 nipple-sparing mastectomies, there was no development or recurrence of cancer in the nipple. Direct-to-implant single-stage surgery offers the patient a complete reconstruction at the time of mastectomy. Patient selection centers on preoperative breast anatomy combined with postoperative goals for size and uplift of the breast. The best candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction include those with grade I-II breast ptosis and those desiring to stay approximately the same breast size. The choice of incision and width of the implant play key roles in nipple centralization. Partial muscle coverage with acellular dermal matrix remains the most common technique to support the implant and offers the advantage of more soft-tissue coverage in the upper pole. With experience, complications and revisions are similar in this approach compared with more traditional 2-stage tissue expander-implant reconstruction. Thus, nipple-sparing mastectomy and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction is emerging as a preferred method of breast reconstruction when the breast skin envelope is sufficiently perfused.

MRI to Predict Nipple Involvement in Breast Cancer Patients.

The selection of breast cancer patients as candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is dependent on the preoperative detection of neoplastic involvement of the nipple-areola complex (NAC). This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative breast MRI as a noninvasive method to predict neoplastic involvement of the nipple. We included 165 female breast cancer patients with a surgical plan that included total mastectomy or breast conservation surgery with the removal of the NAC. All patients underwent MRI before surgery on a 1.5-T unit with a 4-channel in vivo dedicated surface breast coil. One radiologist who was blinded to the results of the histologic evaluations of the specimens evaluated the MRI studies. Of the 170 mastectomy specimens evaluated, 37 (21.8%) had neoplastic involvement of the NAC. The MRI findings of enhancement between the index lesion and the NAC and of nipple retraction were considered statistically significant predictors of nipple involvement in breast cancer patients (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). The negative predictive value of the combination of these MRI findings was 83.3%. Breast MRI is a safe noninvasive method to preoperatively evaluate breast cancer patients eligible for NSM with a high specificity and a high negative predictive value when enhancement between the index lesion and the nipple and nipple retraction are analyzed.

Revisiting the Free Nipple Graft: An Opportunity for Nipple Sparing Mastectomy in Women with Breast Ptosis

Nipple areolar complex (NAC) sparing mastectomy improves the cosmetic outcome of patients with breast cancer. However, women with significant breast ptosis are not candidates for this technique due toexcessive skin flap length and ensuing risk of NAC ischemia.1 (-) 3 We report a novel technique using free nipple graft during skin sparing mastectomy for patients with significant ptosis while concurrently maintaining oncologic integrity. Case series. Community and tertiary care hospital practices. Women with breast cancer desiring NAC preservation who are otherwise candidates for nipple sparing mastectomy, but with significant breast ptosis that precludes NAC viability. All women underwent immediate, autologous breast reconstruction. Bilateral and unilateral free nipple grafts were harvested, placed on ice during skin sparing mastectomy and free flap reconstruction, grafted at the conclusion of the case and secured with a bolster. Full or partial NAC preservation, ischemia time, local wound complications at NAC grafting site, pathologic outcomes. A total of three patients underwent free nipple grafting at the time of skin sparing mastectomy and free or pedicled flap for breast cancer between March and September 2012. Of five total nipple grafts, one had partial NAC loss but did not require operative debridement. Pathologic review of areolar tissue removed during intraoperative defatting of free nipple graft demonstrated residual duct epithelium. Women with significant breast ptosis that would preclude them from NAC sparing mastectomy can successfully preserve their NAC using a free nipple graft. Duct epithelium present in defatted tissue during preparation of the free nipple graft suggests that oncologic integrity can also be maintained.

Abstract P4-14-02: National Trends and Indications for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: An Analysis Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database

Abstract Introduction: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is an evolving procedure occasionally used for breast cancer treatment. However, indications for NSM are institution-specific and lack consensus in the literature. This study uses the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to investigate the oncologic and demographic characteristics of breast cancer patients treated with NSM in the United States from 2005–2009. Methods: Female breast cancer patients treated from 2005–2009 with nipple-sparing/subcutaneous mastectomy (SEER code 30), defined as removal of breast tissue with preservation of nipple-areolar complex and overlying skin, were included. Variables analyzed included patient age, race, tumor stage, tumor size, lymph node status, and radiotherapy delivery. Results: A total of 449 female breast cancer patients who underwent NSM were isolated from the SEER database. The number of patients in the SEER database who underwent NSM increased steadily each year, from 66 in 2005 to 133 in 2009. Mean age was 52 years (s.d. 12 years). Breakdown by race showed that 369 (82%) patients were White women, 42 (9%) were Black women, 36 (8%) were of Asian descent. A majority of patients (402) were documented to have ductal or lobular carcinoma. Documented tumor diameter was less than 3 cm in 63% (284) of patients. Invasive cancer was documented in 283 (63%) patients; in situ cancer was documented in 166 (37%) patients. Lymph node involvement was negative in 374 (83%) patients. Radiation therapy was delivered to 91 (20%) patients; however, 64 patients receiving radiation therapy were node-negative. Radiation was delivered to 6% (10) of patients with in situ cancer and 27% (77) of patients with invasive cancer (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: The number of NSM procedures reported in SEER for breast cancer has increased from 2005–2009. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to which patients may be candidates for NSM. By utilizing a national database, we are able to aggregate and report on the national experience with therapeutic NSM, to date. Patients undergoing NSM for breast cancer were characterized predominantly by tumors less than 3 cm in diameter and with negative lymph node involvement. Patients with both invasive and in situ tumors were considered suitable candidates for NSM. A majority of patients had either ductal or lobular carcinomas. A minority of patients received radiation therapy, although there was a tendency towards providing patients with invasive tumors with radiation therapy. This national data should help guide patient selection for NSM, although future studies are needed to report on the long-term oncologic safety of this procedure. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-02.

A Comparison of Clinical and Pathologic Assessments for the Prediction of Occult Nipple Involvement in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) for both risk reduction and cancer is increasing. In the cancer setting, most studies suggest the use of both clinical and intraoperative biopsy criteria in patient selection. This study examines the use of both biopsy and clinical criteria in women undergoing total nipple-removing mastectomy. The study consisted of 58 patients undergoing total mastectomy without nipple sparing. Biopsies of the subareola tissue (SA), proximal nipple (NC) contents and radial sections of the residual nipple (NR) were examined microscopically. Tumor size and distance from the nipple were also noted. Using clinical criteria alone, the false negative rate was 53.8% and a false positive rate of 44.4%. When adding subareola and nipple core biopsies to clinical criteria the false negative rate fell to 7.7% but the false positive rate remained at 44.4%. When using only SA and NC biopsies to predict occult nipple involvement, the false negative rate was 11.8%. In 4 cases the NC was positive while the SA was negative for cancer and in 6 cases the SA was positive and NC negative. In 2 cases both the NC and SA biopsies were negative while the NR was positive. This study supports a more limited role in the use of clinical criteria for evaluating patients for NSM. This maximizes the number of patients who are candidates for NSM with minimal risk of nipple involvement. It was also noted that intraoperative biopsies are not totally reliable in predicting occult nipple involvement.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction: Indications, technique, and results of 110 patients with breast cancer

11088 Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate reconstruction has recently been accepted as a new surgical procedure that provides good cosmetic results, although it is necessary to establish oncological safety. We reported our experience to evaluate indications, technique, results, and complications of NSM. Methods: Between 1999 and 2005, medical records of 113 patients with breast cancer undertaken NSM at the Asan Medical Center were analyzed retrospectively. Median age of the patients was 40 years and complications were assessed 3 months later postoperatively. Results: For preoperative indications of NSM, mulifocal or multicentric cancers were 60 cases (53.1%), diffuse microcalcifications on MMG were 27 cases (23.9%), failure of breast conserving surgery due to tumor involvement of resection margin were 12 cases (10.6%), central located small cancers were 11 cases (9.7%). Immediate reconstruction methods were 85 cases (75.2%) in TRAM and 28 cases (24.8%) in direct implant. Intraoperative frozen section biopsy for evaluation of tumor involvement at the NAC showed accuracy of 100%. Pathologic tumor size were 24 cases (21.2%) in Tis, 56 cases (49.6%) in T1, 33 cases (29.2%) in T2, respectively. Lymph node status showed 81 cases (71.7%) in N0, 24 cases (21.2%) in N1, 7 cases (6.2%), and one case (0.9%) in N3, respectively. During 20 months of the median follow-up, four patients developed recurrences; one local recurrence (subcutaneous), two (lung, brain) distant failures, and one local and distant failure. The rate of major NA necrotic complication was 14.6%, but all cases were improved with conservative management. 91.7% of patients were satisfied with their cosmetic results. Conclusions: Although the presented study does not establish conclusion with regard to oncological safety due to short follow-up period, the procedure of NSM with intraoperative pathologic assessment of the subareola tissue, and immediate reconstruction is a reasonable option for a selected patients. Good candidates for NSM are patients unsuitable for breast conservation either for multicentric or multofocal cancers, or because of extensive microcalcification, or involvement of resection margin during breast conserving surgery. No significant financial relationships to disclose.