K Ludwig
Tameside General Hospital, UK
Title: Targeting microtentacles on circulating breast tumor cells to reduce metastasis.
Biography
Biography: K Ludwig
Abstract
Background: After diagnosis with a breast tumor most patients can be offered breast conserving surgery by performing a wide local excision (WLE) rather than a mastectomy. This provides better breast cosmesis while maintaining the survival rates of a mastectomy. On reviewing the histology NICE guidelines suggest that if resection margins are less than 2mm that re-excision should take place after discussing the risks and benefits with the patient. Aims: This audit was undertaken in order to compare the WLE re-operation rates at a district general hospital with the national and global averages. Methods: Anonymous data was collected from patients who required re-excision after a WLE between 1st April 2012 and 21st August 2013. Data was collected anonymously from clinical, histology and radiology letters. Results:A total of 77 patients underwent WLE. 18% of which went on to have further operation, either a repeat WLE or mastectomy. 11 patients were found to have larger tumors on histology than initially suggested on radiography. Conclusion: Re-excision rate was 18%, with 54% of those going on to have a mastectomy. Wide local excision rate was 10.3%. Nearly all patients who underwent re-excision had the size of their tumor underestimated on radiology. With a large cohort study quoting a 20% re-excision rate this audit suggests that Tameside General Hospital is performing similarly with many other NHS trusts.