Computed tomography in suspected local breast cancer recurrence

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Evaluating local breast cancer recurrence is crucial for patient management.
• Conventional imaging (mammography, ultrasonography) often yields non-specific or suspicious findings for recurrence.
• Computed tomography (CT) offers advanced imaging capabilities for breast cancer assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography (CT) in identifying local breast cancer recurrence.
• To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT in detecting recurrent breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 103 women with suspicious findings in conservatively treated breasts.
• Breast CT scans were performed before and after intravenous contrast administration.
• Recurrence was defined as a lesion with enhancement ≥20 Hounsfield Units (UH); final diagnosis by histopathology or 2-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Local recurrence was histopathologically confirmed in 52 patients.
• CT correctly identified 47 recurrent breast cancers, with 5 false positives.
• CT demonstrated 90% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 90% accuracy in detecting local recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Mamma CT examination exhibits high diagnostic efficacy for evaluating breast cancer recurrence.
• Despite its accuracy, routine computed tomography is deemed unnecessary for the majority of patients.
• CT's utility lies in specific cases where conventional methods are inconclusive.