Nebojsa Ivanovic

Intraoperative ultrasound in breast cancer surgery—from localization of non-palpable tumors to objectively measurable excision

BackgroundThe utilization of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in breast cancer surgery is a relatively new concept in surgical oncology. Over the last few decades, the field of breast cancer surgery has been striving for a more rational approach, directing its efforts towards removing the tumor entirely yet sparing tissue and structures not infiltrated by tumor cells. Further progress in objectivity and optimization of breast cancer excision is possible if we make the tumor and surrounding tissue visible and measurable in real time, during the course of the operation; IOUS seems to be the optimal solution to this complex requirement. IOUS was introduced into clinical practice as a device for visualization of non-palpable tumors, and compared to wire-guided localization (WGL), IOUS was always at least a viable, or much better alternative, in terms of both precision in identification and resection and for patients’ and surgeons’ comfort. In recent years, intraoperative ultrasound has been used in the surgery of palpable tumors to optimize resection procedures and overcome the disadvantages of classic palpation guided surgery.ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to show the role of IOUS in contemporary breast cancer surgery and its changes over time.MethodsA PubMed database comprehensive search was conducted to identify all relevant articles according to assigned key words.ConclusionOver time, the use of IOUS has been transformed from being the means of localizing non-palpable lesions to an instrument yielding a reduced number of positive resection margins, with a smaller volume of healthy breast tissue excided around tumor, by making the excision of the tumor optimal and objectively measurable.

Breast cancer and its impact in male transsexuals

IntroductionLesbian, gay, and bisexuals have unique healthcare needs. Breast cancer is leading cancer in women, worldwide, accounting for 25% of all cases. Annual incidence rates increased significantly in all countries and age groups. The occurrence of breast cancer is rare in transgender population. As they have very limited access to medical care, it is much less likely to pursue breast cancer screening than in other individuals not identified as transgender.Review of the cases from literatureUp to date, only 13 cases of the breast cancer transsexuals (female to male) have been reported in six published papers worldwide. Histological examination of the breast tumor in female-to-male transgender showed progesterone/estrogen-positive invasive ductal carcinoma.DiscussionGender identity describes a person’s inherent sense of being a woman, man, or of neither gender, whereas sexual orientation refers to how people identify their physical and emotional attraction to others. Gender reassignment surgery, as series of complex surgical genital and non-genital procedures, is recognized as the most effective treatment for patients with gender dysphoria. The two main principles of hormone therapy for transgender patients are to reduce endogenous hormone levels and their associated sex characteristics and replace them with hormones of the preferred sex. Breast cancer infrequently occurs in transgender patients. Even breast core biopsies can be difficult for interpreting after changes in breast tissue in female-to-male transsexuals following gender reassignment.ConclusionReviewing the literature, so many different data concerning probability of breast cancer in sexual minority can be found. Breast cancer screening program should be offered to all transgender individuals according to national guidelines. Very important is to take into consideration a transgender person’s natal and surgical anatomy, unique clinical concerns for depression and anxiety, risk of suicide together with risk factors including experiences of harassment or physical or sexual violence, low education level, and unemployment. Understanding the need for mammography in these often marginalized groups is very important in addressing breast cancer disparities despite differences in insurance coverage in some countries and greater concern for the cancer of the breast in residual breast tissue. The best screening rule, ever, for breast cancer in male transsexuals and other similar population should be, besides surgical history and hormonal status, “Screen Now, Screen Regularly and Screen What You Have.”

Breast angiosarcoma one year after adenosquamous endometrial cancer — diagnostic pitfalls

Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare and very aggressive tumors originated from endothelial cells lining blood vessels. We report a case of a 55-year-old postmenopausal female with a primary breast angiosarcoma diagnosed just a one year after radical hysterectomy and radiation therapy due to endometrial cancer. The patient initially presented with postmenopausal bleeding. Cytology and biopsy of the endometrium were performed and endometrial adenosquamous carcinoma was diagnosed followed by radical hysterectomy and postoperative local radiatiotherapy (50 Gy). One year later patient presented with a great painful tumorous mass in the right breast. Physical examination revealed an oval tumor, located in upper and outer quadrant of the right breast, around 15 cm in diameter. Mammography and ultrasonography were performed. The angiosarcoma of the breast was confirmed by biopsy. The patient underwent radical mastectomy. Histopathology proved the diagnosis of angiosarcoma (high-grade, numerous mitoses over 10/10 HPF, necrosis, “blood lakes”, infiltrative borders). Differential diagnosis of a breast angiosarcoma should be considered in all painful breast tumours no mather the time and the location of the previous radiation treatment even if benign characteristics of these masses have been detected by mammography and breast ultrasound.