Current understanding and distinct features of multifocal and multicentric breast cancers.

Background: Multifocal (MF) and multicentric (MC) breast cancers are referred to as synchronous, multiple ipsilateral breast cancers; however, the definitions vary among the literature, which has made understanding and analyzing these diseases challenging.

Recent Findings: The incidence ranges from 1% to 60%, with a higher prevalence in pre-menopausal women. MF and MC breast cancers, compared with unifocal breast cancers, tend to be more aggressive and are associated with lower survival rates, higher recurrence, and lymph node metastasis.