Histopathological Evaluation of Reduction Mammaplasty Specimens to Detect Occult Breast Cancer: A Report from Southern Iran

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty (RM) is among the commonly performed procedures by plastic surgeons. Occult breast cancers are rarely detected in these specimens. The purpose of the study was to describe histopathological evaluation of reduction mammaplasty specimens to detect occult breast cancer in Southern Iran. METHODS: The histological diagnosis of 350 RM specimens from 175 patients to detect occult breast cancer was evaluated retrospectively. This study determines the incidence of breast cancer too. RESULTS: Microscopic examination revealed that 233 specimens had no pathological changes, 106 showed evidences of fibrocystic disease, 2 were diagnosed as fibroadenoma, 4 were diagnosed as adenosis and one was diagnosed as a phylloides tumor. Furthermore, 4 specimens were diagnosed as carcinomas; 2 as medullary carcinoma and 2 as intraductal carcinoma. Four occult carcinomas were detected in young, unmarried women. CONCLUSION: Thorough gross and microscopic examination helped to detect these occult carcinomas and also helped in planning futuretreatments. We consider a thorough gross examination and sampling of mammaplasty specimens to be mandatory.