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Correspondence and communication| Volume 65, ISSUE 9, P1275-1276, September 2012

Reply to the cost-utility of reduction mammaplasty, at medium-term follow-up : A prospective study

Published:March 30, 2012DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2012.03.014
      I want to thank Drs. Marino et al. for their interest and kind words. As they emphasize, the oncological aspect of reduction mammaplasty (RM) is an important consideration. In breast hypertrophy, by reducing the amount of normal breast tissue or breast tissue with increased risk of developing breast cancer, the subsequent risk for breast cancer is diminished, although other unknown factors contribute.
      • Muir T.M.
      • Tresham J.
      • Fritschi L.
      • Wylie E.
      Screening for breast cancer post reduction mammoplasty.
      Combined preoperative screening and histological examination of the specimen is supported to detect occult breast carcinoma in RM patient populations.
      • Hennedige A.A.
      • Kong T.Y.
      • Gandhi A.
      Oncological screening for bilateral breast reduction: a survey of practice variations in UK breast and plastics surgeons 2009.
      However, if a selective approach is used based on age or family history, it is somewhat unclear which patients without previous history of precancerous or cancerous findings should be included. Nevertheless, the value of negative preoperative screening mammography or other factors has been questioned by Dini et al., as all patients in their study with abnormal histological findings were negative for preoperative screening, history of breast carcinoma or intraoperative findings.
      • Dini M.
      • Agostini T.
      • Marino G.
      • Quercioli F.
      Unsuspected breast carcinoma in reduction mammaplasty specimens and the role of pathologic examination.
      When pathological examination is performed, it should accurately focus on enabling further oncoplastic procedures and oncological treatments.
      • Slezak S.
      • Bluebond-Langner R.
      Occult carcinoma in 866 reduction mammaplasties: preserving the choice of lumpectomy.
      Nonetheless, the cost of finding an occult breast cancer by routine and laborious pathological screening of RM specimens has been questioned.
      • Koltz P.F.
      • Girotto J.A.
      The price of pathology: is screening all breast reduction specimens cost effective.
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      References

        • Muir T.M.
        • Tresham J.
        • Fritschi L.
        • Wylie E.
        Screening for breast cancer post reduction mammoplasty.
        Clin Radiol. 2010; 65: 198-205
        • Hennedige A.A.
        • Kong T.Y.
        • Gandhi A.
        Oncological screening for bilateral breast reduction: a survey of practice variations in UK breast and plastics surgeons 2009.
        J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011; 64: 878-883
        • Dini M.
        • Agostini T.
        • Marino G.
        • Quercioli F.
        Unsuspected breast carcinoma in reduction mammaplasty specimens and the role of pathologic examination.
        Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011; 128 (815-6; author reply): 17-18
        • Slezak S.
        • Bluebond-Langner R.
        Occult carcinoma in 866 reduction mammaplasties: preserving the choice of lumpectomy.
        Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011; 127: 525-530
        • Koltz P.F.
        • Girotto J.A.
        The price of pathology: is screening all breast reduction specimens cost effective.
        Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010; 125 (1575-6; author reply): 76-77

      Linked Article

      • The cost utility of reduction mammaplasty
        Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic SurgeryVol. 65Issue 9
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          It is with great interest that we read a number the article by Saariniemi et al. entitled “The cost utility of reduction mammaplasty at medium-term follow-up: A prospective study” published in the January issue of the Journal.1
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