Changing pattern of the detection of locoregional relapse in breast cancer: the Edinburgh experience

• DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603815
• Publication Date: 2007-05-29T09:44:57Z
• Authors: D A Montgomery; K Krupa; W J L Jack; G R Kerr; I H Kunkler; J Thomas; J M Dixon
• Keywords: Axilla; Nipple discharge; Breast-conserving surgery

The guidelines for follow-up of breast cancer patients concentrate on the first 3-5 years, with either reduced frequency visits or discharge after this. They also recommend mammography, but no evidence exists to inform frequency. We analyse treatable relapses in our unit from 1312 early stage treated by conserving surgery (BCS) and postoperative radiotherapy between 1991 1998 assess appropriateness guidelines. A total 110 were analysed. Treatable relapse developed at 1-1.5% per year throughout follow-up. Forty-eight ipsilateral breast, 25 axilla, 35 contralateral 2 both breasts simultaneously. Thirty-seven (33.5%) symptomatic, 56 (51%) mammographically detected, 15 (13.5%) clinically (2%) diagnosed incidentally. Mammography detected 5.37 1000 mammograms. Patients symptomatic had significantly longer survival original diagnosis (P=0.0002) recurrence (P=0.0014) compared detected. occurs a constant rate least 10 years. Clinical examination detects minority (13.5%). Relapse is associated poorer outcome. Long-term based regular mammography warranted all BCS.