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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open logoLink to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open
. 2017 Mar 8;5(2 Suppl):41. doi: 10.1097/01.GOX.0000513453.69492.81

Abstract 38. Atypical Proliferative Lesions after Reduction Mammaplasty: Incidence and Implications in 993 Reductions

Amy S Colwell 1, Melissa Mastroianni 1, Alex Lin 1, William G Austen Jr 1
PMCID: PMC5361364

Purpose: Reduction mammoplasty occasionally reveals unsuspected proliferative lesions or carcinoma. Few studies examine incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in this population.

Methods: Retrospective review was performed between 2000 and 2012. Pathology was categorized as benign, proliferative, or cancer (DCIS or invasive).

Results: Five hundred seventy-three patients had 993 reduction mammaplasties (85% bilateral, 15% unilateral). Cancer was detected in 23 (2.3%) specimens and proliferative lesions in 148 (14.9%). Compared to patients with benign pathology, patients with proliferative lesions or cancer were older (p<0.001), with larger BMI (p=0.001), increased unilateral procedures (p<0.001) and more had a history of cancer (p<0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, age and prior breast cancer were independent risk factors for proliferative lesions (OR 1.057, CI 1.039–1.075, p<0.001 and OR 2.201, CI 1.291–3.752, p=0.004) and age significantly predicted cancer (OR 1.050, CI 1.009–1.093, p=0.015). There was no association with resection weight (p>0.5). Fifty-four percent of patients with proliferative lesions and no history of cancer had a change in management with increased surveillance, hormones, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. If there was a history of cancer, 31% had a change in management. Of patients with DCIS or cancer, all required treatment.

Conclusion: Proliferative lesions of the breast may be more common that previously reported. Age and a history of breast cancer increase risk for proliferative lesions. All should be referred to oncology.


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