Multiple re-excisions versus mastectomy in patients with persistent residual disease following breast conservation surgery.

Background: Persistently involved margins following breast conservation surgery (BCS) create a diagnostic dilemma regarding the recommendation of further BCS or mastectomy.

Methods: A retrospective review of 276 breast cancer patients who underwent BCS and required additional surgical treatment between 1990-2002 was performed.

Results: For treatment of persistently involved margins, 63% of subjects underwent re-excision the first time, 49% the second time, and 37% the third time.