Ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence after Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction: Incidence and radiological presentation

Abstract

ICRs after DIEP flap reconstruction are more frequent than contralateral recurrences suggesting the need for imaging follow-up of the reconstructed breast.

Survival and risk of breast cancer recurrence after breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

“…There is a theoretical risk that transposition of tissue on to the mastectomy site during the DIEP flap reconstruction procedure might hide or delay detection of local recurrence beneath the flap. An increased risk of breast cancer recurrence related to delayed autologous reconstructions was reported in a cohort study by Isern and colleagues.…”

“…This potential association has, however, not yet been replicated. Reconstruction may delay or hide recurrence; in addition, extensive reconstructive surgery has been suggested to possibly activate dormant micrometastases, resulting in early local recurrence or distant metastatic disease.…”

Imaging of the treated breast post breast conservation surgery/oncoplasty: Pictorial review

“…Post-oncoplastic or breast reconstruction, locoregional tumor recurrence is seen in 2.3%. The most common site of tumor recurrence is the contact line, at the junction of the flap with the native tissue[ 13 ] (Figure 14 ).…”

Breast cancer recurrences in myocutaneous flap reconstruction

“…Recurrences occur commonly at the anastomosis of the autologous flap and residual breast tissue and native skin [2] . Use of screening mammography of the reconstructed breast has been controversial with some authors advocating its use to detect the 30-36% of recurrences that may be clinically occult [7 , 8 , 9] .…”