Recurrent breast carcinoma arising in a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2004 Oct;128(10):1157-60. doi: 10.5858/2004-128-1157-RBCAIA.

Abstract

Reconstruction after mastectomy for breast carcinoma with implants or myocutaneous flaps is a widely used surgical technique. Recurrence of breast carcinoma after these procedures is uncommon. Most recurrences occur in the skin or scar site of the mastectomy and are readily detectable by physical examination. There are rare reported cases of recurrent carcinoma occurring within the flaps that are usually diagnosed with the aid of imaging and subsequent pathologic examination. In most cases, these recurrences represent invasive or in situ ductal carcinoma. We report an additional 2 cases of breast carcinoma recurring within the myocutaneous flap, both of which exhibited uncommon histologic features not previously reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology*
  • Carcinoma in Situ / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty / adverse effects*
  • Mammaplasty / methods
  • Mastectomy / adverse effects
  • Mastectomy / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Rectus Abdominis / pathology*
  • Rectus Abdominis / transplantation*
  • Surgical Flaps / pathology*
  • Transplantation, Autologous