Pathological findings in reduction mammoplasty specimens: A South African perspective.

Background: Preoperative, intraoperative and follow-up guidelines for managing occult carcinoma in reduction mammoplasty specimens are scant

Methods: We retrospectively analysed the records and pathology reports of 200 patients who had undergone reduction mammoplasty at two major public hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, during 2009-2014. Demographic data, their history of breast cancer and preoperative screening, the surgical techniques used and pathological reports were included. In all cases preoperative screening for breast cancer had been negative.