Detection Of Local Tumor Recurrence Research Articles

Clinical performance of implanted devices used in surgical treatment of patients with spinal tumors: a systematic review

PurposeImplanted devices used in metastatic spine tumor surgery (MSTS) include pedicle screws, fixation plates, fixation rods, and interbody devices. A material to be used to fabricate any of these devices should possess an array of properties, which include biocompatibility, no toxicity, bioactivity, low wear rate, low to moderate incidence of artifacts during imaging, tensile strength and modulus that are comparable to those of cortical bone, high fatigue strength/long fatigue life, minimal or no negative impact on radiotherapy (RT) planning and delivery, and high capability for fusion to the contiguous bone. The shortcomings of Ti6Al4V alloy for these applications with respect to these desirable properties are well recognized, opening the field for an investigation about novel biomaterials that could replace the current gold standard. Previously published reviews on this topic have exhibited significant shortcomings in the studies they included, such as a small, heterogenous sample size and the lack of a cost-benefit analysis, extremely useful to understand the practical possibility of applying a novel material on a large scale. Therefore, this review aims to collect information about the clinical performance of these biomaterials from the most recent literature, with the objective of deliberating which could potentially be better than titanium in the future, with particular attention to safety, artifact production and radiotherapy planning interference. The significant promise showed by analyzing the clinical performance of these devices warrants further research through prospective studies with a larger sample size also taking into account each aspect of the production and use of such materials.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to improve the reporting of the review. The search was performed from March 2022 to September 2023.ResultsAt the end of the screening process, 20 articles were considered eligible for this study. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Carbon-fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK), long carbon fiber reinforced polymer (LCFRP), Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and carbon screw and rods were used in the included studies.ConclusionCFR-PEEK displays a noninferior safety and efficacy profile to titanium implanted devices. However, it also has other advantages. By decreasing artifact production, it is able to increase detection of local tumor recurrence and decrease radiotherapy dose perturbation, ultimately bettering prognosis for patients necessitating adjuvant treatment. Nonetheless, its drawbacks have not been explored fully and still require further investigation in future studies. This does not exclude the fact that CFR-PEEK could be a valid alternative to titanium in the near future.

Enhancing local recurrence detection in patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma: value of short-term Ultrasonography added to post-operative MRI surveillance

BackgroundLimited data exist on the optimal postoperative surveillance protocol for high-grade soft tissue sarcoma, particularly regarding the optimal imaging modality and imaging interval for detecting local recurrence. This study aimed to assess the benefit of short-term postoperative ultrasonography (USG) for detecting local recurrence in patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed high-grade soft tissue sarcoma who underwent surgical resection between January 2010 and June 2020 were included. Short-term USG was added to the follow-up protocol as a surveillance tool alongside routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The primary outcome was the additional detection rate of short-term USG compared with routine MRI surveillance for early local recurrence detection. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate factors influencing USG detection rate. The additional detection rate of short-term USG for detection of metastatic lymph nodes was also evaluated. The secondary outcome was the false referral rate of short-term USG.ResultsIn total, 198 patients (mean age ± standard deviation: 52.1 ± 15.8 years; 94 women) were included. Local recurrence occurred in 20 patients (10.1%; 20/198). Short-term USG detected local recurrence in advance of routine MRI visits in 7 out of 198 patients, resulting in an additional detection rate of 3.5% (95% CI: 1.7–7.1%). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in the short-term USG detection rate based on initial tumor characteristics, and receipt of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Short-term USG additionally detected five of seven patients with metastatic lymph nodes [2.5% (95% CI, 1.1–5.8%, 5/198)]. The false referral rate of short-term USG was 3.5% (95% CI: 1.7–7.1%; 7/198).ConclusionsShort-term USG as part of postoperative surveillance for high-grade soft tissue sarcoma can enhance early detection of local tumor recurrence and metastatic lymphadenopathy. Early detection of local tumor recurrence could lead to a prompt surgical resection and aid in local disease control.

Role of 18F FDG PET/CT in evaluation of post-operative ovarian carcinoma

BackgroundWe evaluated the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in a group of patients with suspicion of ovarian cancer recurrence. It is considered a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in the 2 years following first-line therapy. CA125 serum levels computed tomography (CT) and other modalities are used during routine follow-up. These traditional modalities could provide a significant number of false-negative or equivocal results even in the presence of elevated CA125 levels. So the performance of 18F-FDG-PET/CT is essential for the optimal diagnosis of recurrence and treatment planning.ResultsStudying PET/CT behaviour in the detection of ovarian cancer recurrence, 18F-FDG-PET/CT had an accuracy of 98% with sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 100%, respectively. 18F-FDG-PET/CT had a PPV of 100% and NPV of 83%. While studying the CA125 level (> 35 U/ml) to detect the ovarian cancer recurrence during patient follow-up, the CA125 level had an accuracy of 50% with a sensitivity ratio and specificity ratio of 47% and 80%, respectively. CA-125 level had a PPV of 95% and NPV of 14%. In comparison between conventional CT and PET/CT studies, the PET/CT diagnosed local tumor recurrence in 16 patients (32%), while CT scan diagnosed local tumor recurrence in only 3 patients (6%), and PET/CT detected peritoneal recurrence in 34 patients (68%). CT scan found peritoneal deposits in 11 patients (22%), also the PET/CT showed suspicious abdominal LNS in 22 patients (44%) while, CT scan showed suspicious abdominal LNS in 4 patients (8%), and PET/CT showed suspicious pelvic LNS in 16 patients (32%). CT scan showed suspicious pelvic LNS in 7 patients (14%). PET/CT detected distant organ metastases in 18 patients (36%). CT scan detected distant organ metastasis in only 8 patients (16%). Comparison between CT and PET/CT in 32 follow-up cases for the detection of local tumor recurrence, peritoneal deposits, suspicious abdominal/pelvic LNs and distant organ metastasis. There was a statistically significant difference between CT and PET/CT the end results (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0047, p = 0.001, p = 0.03).Conclusions18F-FDG-PET/CT is more sensitive in detection and localization of ovarian cancer recurrence and more superior than the other imaging modalities.

The diagnostic performance of perfusion CT in the detection of local tumor recurrence in head and neck cancer.

Detecting local tumor recurrence from post-treatment changes in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains a challenge. Based on the hypothesis that post-therapeutically altered tissue is bradytroph, lower perfusion values are expected in perfusion CT (PCT) while higher perfusion values are expected in recurrent malignant tissue. This prospective study investigates PCT for post-treatment recurrent HNC detection with a maximum slope algorithm. A total of 80 patients who received PCT of the head and neck for post-therapy follow-up, of which 63 had no tumor recurrence and 17 presented a histopathologically confirmed recurrence were examined. Regions of interest were placed in the location of the initial tumor, in reference ipsilateral nuchal muscle tissue and the corresponding internal carotid artery. Perfusion was calculated using a single-input maximum slope algorithm. With PCT, recurrent HNC can be differentiated from post-treatment tissue (p < 0.05). It further allows delineating recurrent tumor tissue from benign nuchal tissue of reference (p < 0.05). PCT data of patients with and without recurrent HNC are comparable as perfusion values of reference tissues in patients with and without HNC do not differ (p > 0.05). PCT in combination with a commercially available maximum slope algorithm offers radiologists a reliable imaging tool to detect recurrent head and neck cancer within post-therapeutically altered tissue.

The Contribution of Multiparametric Pelvic and Whole-Body MRI to Interpretation of 18F-Fluoromethylcholine or 68Ga-HBED-CC PSMA-11 PET/CT in Patients with Biochemical Failure After Radical Prostatectomy.

Our purpose was to assess whether the addition of data from multiparametric pelvic MRI (mpMR) and whole-body MRI (wbMR) to the interpretation of 18F-fluoromethylcholine (18F-FCH) or 68Ga-HBED-CC PSMA-11 (68Ga-PSMA) PET/CT (=PET) improves the detection of local tumor recurrence or of nodal and distant metastases in patients after radical prostatectomy with biochemical failure. Methods: The current analysis was performed as part of a prospective, multicenter trial on 18F-FCH or 68Ga-PSMA PET, mpMR, and wbMR. Eligible men had an elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (>0.2 ng/mL) and high-risk features (Gleason score > 7, PSA doubling time < 10 mo, or PSA > 1.0 ng/mL) with negative or equivocal conventional imaging results. PET was interpreted with mpMR and wbMR in consensus by 2 radiologists and compared with prospective interpretation of PET or MRI alone. Performance measures of each modality (PET, MRI, and PET/mpMR-wbMR) were compared for each radiotracer and each individual patient (for 18F-FCH, or 68Ga-PSMA for patients who had 68Ga-PSMA PET) and to a composite reference standard. Results: There were 86 patients with PET (18F-FCH [n = 76] and/or 68Ga-PSMA [n = 26]) who had mpMR and wbMR. Local tumor recurrence was detected in 20 of 76 (26.3%) on 18F-FCH PET/mpMR, versus 11 of 76 (14.5%) on 18F-FCH PET (P = 0.039), and in 11 of 26 (42.3%) on 68Ga-PSMA PET/mpMR, versus 6 of 26 (23.1%) on 68Ga-PSMA PET (P = 0.074). Per patient, PET/mpMR was more often positive for local tumor recurrence than PET (P = 0.039) or mpMR (P = 0.019). There were 20 of 86 patients (23.3%) with regional nodal metastases on both PET/wbMR and PET (P = 1.0) but only 12 of 86 (14%) on wbMR (P = 0.061). Similarly, there were more nonregional metastases detected on PET/wbMR than on PET (P = 0.683) or wbMR (P = 0.074), but these differences did not reach significance. Compared with the composite reference standard for the detection of disease beyond the prostatic fossa, PET/wbMR, PET, and wbMR had sensitivity of 50%, 50%, and 8.3%, respectively, and specificity of 97.1%, 97.1%, and 94.1%, respectively. Conclusion: Interpretation of PET/mpMR resulted in a higher detection rate for local tumor recurrence in the prostatic bed in men with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy. However, the addition of wbMR to 18F-FCH or 68Ga-PSMA PET did not improve detection of regional or distant metastases.

Comparing the Diagnostic Performance of Integrated 18F-FDG PET-MRI and MRI for the Identification of Local Recurrences of Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of PET-MRI and MRI alone for the detection of local recurrences of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) after initial surgical resection of the primary tumors. Methods: A total of 41 patients with a clinically suspected tumor relapse of STS underwent an 18F-FDG- PET-MRI examination for assessment of local recurrence. Two experienced physicians interpreted the MRI data and subsequently the PET-MRI datasets in two separate reading sessions and were instructed to identify potential local tumor recurrences. Additionally, the diagnostic confidence in each reading for the identification of malignant lesions was determined. A McNemar test was applied to test for differences of both ratings and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to identify differences of the confidence levels. Histopathological verification as well as follow-up imaging was applied as the standard of reference. Results: A tumor relapse was present in 27 / 41 patients. Calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accurary for the detection of local tumor recurrence was 81%, 85%, 91%, 70%, 82% for MRI and 96%, 75%, 89%, 91%, 90% for PET-MRI (P > 0.05). Furthermore, PET/MRI showed significantly higher confidence levels (P < 0.05) for the determination of malignant lesions. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate 18F-FDG PET-MRI to be an excellent imaging method in the evaluation of recurrent STS after surgical excision, as it displays superior detection accuracy as compared to routine MRI follow-up examinations.

Detection of Local Tumor Recurrence After Definitive Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Histogram Analysis of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced T1-Weighted Perfusion MRI.

This study aimed to explore the added value of histogram analysis of the ratio of initial to final 90-second time-signal intensity AUC (AUCR) for differentiating local tumor recurrence from contrast-enhancing scar on follow-up dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted perfusion MRI of patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). AUCR histogram parameters were assessed among tumor recurrence (n = 19) and contrast-enhancing scar (n = 27) at primary sites and compared using the t test. ROC analysis was used to determine the best differentiating parameters. The added value of AUCR histogram parameters was assessed when they were added to inconclusive conventional MRI results. Histogram analysis showed statistically significant differences in the 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the AUCR values between the two groups (p < 0.05). The 90th percentile of the AUCR values (AUCR90) was the best predictor of local tumor recurrence (AUC, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91) with an estimated cutoff of 1.02. AUCR90 increased sensitivity by 11.7% over that of conventional MRI alone when added to inconclusive results. Histogram analysis of AUCR can improve the diagnostic yield for local tumor recurrence during surveillance after treatment for HNSCC.

Role of MRI in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate consists of T1- and T2-weighted sequences, which provide anatomical information, and one or more 'functional' sequences, that is, diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Prostate MRI is the most accurate imaging method for local staging of prostate cancer and can also be used for the noninvasive evaluation of tumor aggressiveness. By magnetic resonance-guided prostate biopsy it is possible to target the most cancer-suspicious areas of the gland, especially in patients with a negative transrectal biopsy. In patients with biochemical recurrence after radical treatment, MRI is a valuable tool for the detection of local tumor recurrence and whole-body MRI can be used for the diagnosis of distant metastases.

An Algorithm for Oncologic Scalp Reconstruction

Sir: We read with interest your article about oncologic reconstruction of the scalp.1 We agree that an algorithm is necessary to facilitate the surgical planning after radical oncologic excision. Radical surgical resection is the most important curative action, and every surgeon has to perform it every time. Many techniques are available today to reconstruct the scalp. We think that where there are full-thickness bone defects or dura defects, microsurgical flaps are necessary, but when there is a soft-tissue defect of the scalp, there is the possibility of covering the loss of substance using a dermal regeneration template, such as Integra (Integra LifeSciences, Plainsboro, N.J.).2 Our experience suggests that in cancer patients there is the possibility of tumor recurrence, and mobilization of local flaps (or the use of free flaps) may compromise the possibility of controlling the local tumor recurrence. We have operated on 32 patients with scalp defects (mean surface area, 70.1 cm2) using Integra directly over the bone, under local anesthesia. The tumor excision included the periosteum in all cases, and adequate débridement of the scalp wound down to bleeding bone was performed by drilling of the outer table of the cortex. The artificial dermis was grafted as in a classic full-thickness skin graft and a compressive tied-over dressing was placed on the Integra for 5 days. If clear surgical margins were found, a second operation was performed at an average period of 21 to 22 days after artificial dermis implantation. The silicone layer was removed, and ultrathin autografts, taken usually from the thigh with a dermatome, were applied to the neodermis. There was full graft take in all cases. We obtained good outcomes from aesthetic and oncologic points of view, with a mean follow-up of 12 months. In eight cases, we noted a recurrence very early under the skin graft or under the Integra. Using Integra and skin grafts, we provide durable coverage of the scalp, thicker than direct skin grafting on the skull or on granulation tissue, reducing the likelihood of intraoperative or postoperative complications. This technique allows early detection of local tumor recurrence and therefore early tumor removal, with additional resections to obtain clear surgical margins before the final reconstruction is performed with split-thickness skin grafts over the dermal substitute. Our experience suggests that the use of a dermal regeneration template may be considered a successful option for scalp reconstruction after tumor excision. Bartolo Corradino, M.D. Sara Di Lorenzo, M.D. Dipartimento di Discipline Chirurgiche ed Oncologiche Sezione di Chirurgia Plastica Università degli Studi di Palermo Palermo, Italy

MRI Appearance of Tumor Recurrence in Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction After Mastectomy

The purpose of this perspective is to describe the role of breast MRI in the detection of local tumor recurrence in myocutaneous flap reconstructions and in the evaluation of extent of disease. Recognizing the MRI appearance of tumor recurrence in breast myocutaneous flap reconstructions is important for early detection of recurrence and in the evaluation of extent of disease to guide clinical management. Bilateral breast MRI for high-risk cancer screening of the native breast is a unique opportunity to detect recurrence in the reconstructed breast before it is clinically apparent. We describe a range of MRI appearances of breast cancer recurrence in patients with myocutaneous flap reconstructions.

Ressonância magnética da próstata: uma visão geral para o radiologista

O adenocarcinoma prostático é o segundo tumor em incidência e mortalidade dentre as neoplasias malignas masculinas. Para adequada programação terapêutica é importante a distinção entre tumores confinados à próstata e aqueles com extensão extraprostática. Diferentes estudos têm demonstrado que a ressonância magnética da próstata com bobina endorretal auxilia no estadiamento local destes pacientes. Este artigo apresenta informações sobre a anatomia prostática, o aspecto tumoral à ressonância magnética, sinais de extensão tumoral extraprostática e invasão de vesículas seminais, sugestões de protocolo, princípios gerais e importância da espectroscopia de prótons, do estudo perfusional e da difusão, indicações da ressonância magnética na investigação de recidiva pós-operatória e pós-radioterapia, seu papel na detecção de lesões suspeitas em pacientes com suspeita clínico-laboratorial de adenocarcinoma prostático, além de apresentar os diagnósticos diferenciais e limitações do método.

Détection par IRM des récidives locales du cancer de prostate après traitement par ultrasons focalisés de haute intensité (HIFU) transrectaux : étude préliminaire

To assess T2W and dynamic: contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging in the detection of local tumor recurrence after transrectal high-intensity focused US (HIFU) treatment. Fifteen patients treated by HIFU for prostate cancer were referred for MR due to biological evidence of tumor recurrence. Axial, sagittal and coronal T2W images and DCE images (12 3-mm thick axial images, temporal resolution: 15 seconds) were obtained first. Transrectal biopsies were then obtained under US guidance. MR findings were compared to biopsy results for 10 prostate sectors. Biopsies demonstrated tumor recurrence in 13/15 patients (23/108 sectors). On T2W images, the treated prostate tissue was diffusely hypointense which interfered with interpretation. Three patients (5 sectors) had suspicious areas of T2W signal abnormality and 15 patients (29 sectors) had suspicious areas on DCE scans. An analysis per sector for T2W and DCE imaging showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values respectively of 0.13, 0.98, 0.6 and 0.81 and 0.70, 0.85, 0.55 and 0.91. DCE MR was strongly predictive of positive biopsy results (Odds ratio: 12.8 (95% confidence interval: 4.4-37.3)) whereas T2W imaging was not (Odds ratio: 4.0 (95% confidence interval: 0.5-30)). MR, especially DCE MR, is promising for the detection and localization of local prostate cancer recurrence after transrectal HIFU treatment.

Role of B-mode ultrasound screening in detection of local tumor recurrence in the first year after radiofrequency ablation in the liver

Background: Ultrasound is known to be useful in imaging radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lesions intra- and postoperatively. The presented study intends to prove the value of ultrasound examination as a means of screening RFA-treated patients for local tumor recurrence. Patients and methods: During a period of 47 months, 91 RFA treatments were performed in 61 patients in a single institution. Indications for RFA were hepatocellular carcinoma (74%), colorectal metastases (18%), recurrent cholangiocellular carcinoma (5%) and one neuroendocrine tumor metastasis as well as one metastasis of pancreatic cancer (1.5% each). RFA was only considered in non-resectable liver cancer. All applications were conducted under sonographic guidance following preoperative evaluation. Postoperative screening included sonographic examinations at intervals of 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and further annual follow-up examinations. Mean follow-up period was 11.8 months. Results: Within the first 12 months after treatment, the lesions become more and more inhomogenous with mixed echogeneity. Occasionally, this evolves as a misleading finding, mimicking early tumor recurrence. To clarify suspicious cases (31%), magnetic resonance imaging (20%) or computed tomography (10%) was engaged. Ultrasound led to the detection of local tumor recurrence in 78% of recurrent HCC (13 patients), but only in 67% of metastatic diseases (3 patients). Overall local recurrence rate was 18%. Conclusion: Ultrasound screening as a follow-up of primary hepatic malignancies is, due to its sensitivity, capable of detecting early local recurrence despite its low specifity. Appropriate application of particular criteria of local recurrence allows B-mode ultrasound to play a major role in screening RFA-treated patients.

Diagnostic follow-up imaging: “Achilles heel” of performing radiofrequency heat ablation in lung malignancies

Purpose: To report on the successful radiofrequency heat ablation (RFA) in a patient with a bronchiogenic carcinoma verified by a combined imaging modality using computed tomography (CT) and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) in a follow-up period of 6 months. Methods: RFA was the favored treatment option for the 2.3×2.3 cm large brochiogenic carcinoma located in the right upper lobe. For this purpose a thermal lesion was created using a 15-gauge LeVeen™ Needle Electrode with an array diameter of 3.0 cm. Follow-up CT scans were performed at 3 and 6 months after RFA. In order to exclude metabolically active residual tumor 18FDG-PET was obtained 6 months after RFA. Results: Follow-up CT scan 3 months after RFA showed a slight increase in diameter of the treated tumor, presumably due to dystelectasis, surrounding hematoma or inflammation and granulation tissue. In line with the CT scan 6 months after RFA, which revealed shrinkage of the treated lesion according to scar formation; additionally the metabolic activity seen in whole body 18FDG-PET was not suspicious for viable tumor. Conclusion: Functional imaging like 18FDG-PET seems to be an important adjunct to CT in the early detection of local tumor recurrence after RFA of lung malignancies.

Surveillance Imaging in Children with Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors

Controversy surrounds the benefits of routine surveillance magnetic resonance or computed tomographic imaging for monitoring children after resection of primitive neuroectodermal tumors. A recent study suggested that serial imaging studies detect only a small minority of tumor recurrences in patients with symptoms. The authors concluded that even in patients with recurrence documented by imaging, no patient with a recurrence survived long (average, 5 mo) and that surveillance scanning is of little clinical value in children with primitive neuroectodermal tumors. We reviewed our experience with 25 patients (28% of our total series) who presented to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, from 1985 to 1993 with recurrent tumors after surgery and adjuvant therapy. Recurrent tumors were detected on routine imaging in 19 asymptomatic patients (76%) and in 6 symptomatic patients (24%). Recurrences were documented 15 months (mean) after the initial diagnosis in asymptomatic children and 5 months (mean) after the initial diagnosis in children with symptoms of recurrent tumor (P < or = 0.01). Asymptomatic patients with recurrence documented on serial imaging had prolonged survival when compared with those who were symptomatic (P < or = 0.05). The surviving patients with recurrence remained alive for more than 24 months after documentation of recurrence. Early detection of local tumor recurrence by surveillance scanning may provide a critical therapeutic window for successful treatment with aggressive or novel therapies.

Pitfalls of “Bench Surgery” and Autotransplantation for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Under certain circumstances, extracorporeal surgical treatment ("bench surgery") followed by autotransplantation is indicated for renal cell carcinoma. During a 10-year period, 20 patients (16 men and 4 women) underwent bench surgery and attempted autotransplantation for renal cell carcinoma at our institution. The autotransplantation was successful in 16 patients but unsuccessful in 4 because of postoperative renal vascular thrombosis or extensive tumor involvement, which resulted in inadequate renal vein for anastomosis. Of the 16 patients who underwent successful autotransplantations, 4 (25%) subsequently had locally recurrent renal cell carcinoma (a mean of 35 months after initial autotransplantation). Only 6 of the 16 patients who underwent successful autotransplantation were ultimately free of both carcinoma and dialysis. Although an ex vivo surgical procedure can be beneficial for certain patients with renal cell carcinoma, computed tomographic scanning of the autotransplantation site should be performed every 3 to 6 months postoperatively for early detection of local tumor recurrence.

EVALUATION OF THE POSTOPERATIVE BREAST

With widespread use of mammography for breast cancer screening, the number of surgical procedures has also increased. Overlapping with radiographic signs of malignancy, including masses, areas of asymmetric density and architectural distortion, microcalcifications, and skin thickening, postsurgical changes may make mammographic evaluation difficult. After tumor excision and irradiation where breast alterations are more profound and prolonged, the task of distinguishing recurrent tumor from scarring or fat necrosis is even more challenging. Mammograms after breast conservation therapy for carcinoma or after cosmetic surgery require correlation with physical findings and the surgical procedures that were performed. Responses of tissue to lumpectomy and radiation, such as breast edema and skin thickening, are most pronounced 6 to 12 months after treatment, gradually resolving within 1 to 3 years. Carefully tailored mammographic studies will promote the dual goal of early detection of local tumor recurrence and avoidance of misinterpreting postoperative and irradiation changes as malignancy. Sequential examinations should begin with a postoperative preradiation mammogram for residual carcinoma, particularly when microcalcifications have been present, followed by the baseline postradiation examination at 6 months with the next study 6 months later (1 year after initial treatment). Mammograms of the treated breast may be performed at intervals of 6 months until radiographic stability has been recognized. Annual studies thereafter are suggested. The contralateral, unaffected breast should be evaluated mammographically according to screening guidelines or clinical concerns. Mammograms performed after cosmetic and reconstructive procedures should be correlated with the surgical techniques and clinical history. Modified views for silicone implants can maximize visualization of breast parenchyma. Ultrasonography is a useful complement to mammography in demonstrating the origin of a palpable mass either within the implant or the breast parenchyma. In reduction mammoplasty, distorted architecture, parenchymal bands, tissue redistribution, and fat necrosis should be recognized. After mastectomy, myocutaneous reconstruction may be performed. Masses that develop within flap reconstructions most frequently represent fat necrosis, which, when calcifying oil cysts are seen, may have a characteristic radiographic appearance.