Management of local recurrence of breast cancer

This article reviews the management of isolated recurrences after primary treatment of breast cancer. These recurrences may occur within the breast after breast-conserving surgery, on the chest wall after mastectomy, or in the axilla. While often a marker of concurrent or future metastatic disease, local management with curative intent is advocated if the recurrence is isolated at presentation. Systemic therapy at this time (readjuvant) may well have benefit and should be more thoroughly investigated. Changes in breast cancer management, including sentinel lymph node biopsy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and partial breast irradiation, may change the implications and management of isolated local breast, chest wall and axillary recurrences.