Retroareolar Breast Cancer Treated with Central Quadrantectomy

Fig. 36.1

Preoperative view of a 36-year-old patient with a retroareolar cancer of the left breast. Drawings show two possible incisions for a central quadrantectomy: elliptical or circumareolar incision. In this patient, the areola/tumor was resected using a circumareolar approach

36.2 Surgery

Central quadrantectomy using a circumareolar incision was done. The NAC was completely resected including the retroareolar tissue including the pectoralis muscle fascia. Sentinel lymph node biopsy found two negative nodes. The breast tissue was mobilized and closed with two purse string sutures.

36.3 Clinical and Cosmetic Outcome

The postoperative course was uneventful. Final histology found an 11 mm invasive cancer of intermediate grade and positive hormonal receptor status. Radiation therapy and endocrine treatment were suggested. Although the left breast was slightly smaller than the right breast, both the patient and surgeon were satisfied with the cosmetic result (Fig. 36.2a, b). Reconstruction of the NAC was declined by the patient.

Fig. 36.2

(a, b) Postoperative view 8 years following central quadrantectomy and closure with a purse string suture. The left breast was slightly smaller less than the right breast but with a good cosmetic result

Clinical follow-up, however, found an increasing retraction of the scar in the retroareolar region (Fig. 36.3

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue