Local recurrence in the pectoralis muscles following modified radical mastectomy for carcinoma

Local recurrence following treatment of carcinoma of the breast is usually associated with systemic metastases. However, there are some cases in which local disease is the only manifestation of recurrence, and long-term survival can be achieved in these patients with aggressive treatment. Ten cases of apparent isolated metastasis in the pectoralis muscle following modified radical mastectomy are presented and good results were obtained in some cases utilizing surgery or x-ray therapy or a combination. It is worth noting that reconstruction would not have interfered with the detection of these recurrences, if the implant had been placed under the muscle.