In this study, we assessed the appropriateness of conducting repeat lumpectomy for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) based on the characteristics of recurrence after primary breast conserving surgery (BCS). Of 41 patients who had developed IBTR from October 1986 to June 2000 at our institute, 11 underwent mastectomy of the remaining breast and 30 underwent repeat lumpectomy. The 5-year overall survival rate at a median follow-up of 43 months after salvage surgery was 90.9% for the mastectomy group and 90.0% for the lumpectomy group. The 5-year distant disease-free survival rate was 70.1% for the mastectomy group and 83.0% for the lumpectomy group. The survival rates were remarkably high in both treatment groups, with no significant difference between them. IBTRs in the majority of our patients were small lesions less than 1 cm in diameter. They did not feature lymphatic invasion and had low histological grade. Compared with that of primary lesions, the malignancy of recurrent tumors was not increased in many patients. In contrast to these preferable features, 9 of 30 patients who underwent repeat lumpectomy developed second local relapse within 3 years after salvage operation. Young age (<or=35 years), positive family history and omission of adjuvant systemic therapy were found to exhibit trends as a discriminate for further local recurrences. In view of the relatively good prognosis of IBTRs and excellent results of repeat lumpectomy, we consider this method a treatment option that deserves serious consideration if we can select the patients who will not likely develop second local relapse.
Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel