Incidental discovery of recurrent breast carcinoma in patients seeking breast reconstruction

On the basis of 6 clinical cases where a breast carcinoma metastasis or another breast tumour were discovered during a routine preoperative medical examination or during reconstructive surgery, the author emphasises the role of plastic surgeons in detecting recurrent disease in patients consulting them for reconstructive surgery after breast amputation. Plastic surgeons who probably perform more breast operations than any other specialist should have a thorough knowledge of all the diseases and tumours which may affect these organs.