Radical chest wall resection and modified reconstruction technique for solitary internal mammary lymph node recurrence in breast cancer

INTRODUCTION: Although the incidence of internal mammary lymph node recurrence rate in breast cancer is low but still it is the second most common drainage site after axilla. Patients with solitary internal mammary lymph node (IMLN) recurrence have overall better prognosis. The role of chemo and radiotherapy in internal mammary lymph node involvement with breast cancer is still controversial. Radical surgical resection and reconstruction remains mainstay for good prognosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here in we present a case of a 32 year old female with breast cancer who had left mastectomy followed by adjuvant chemo radiotherapy treatment for adenocarcinoma of breast in 2008. She presented with upper left parasternal pain in 2009. Computed tomographic scan (CT) of her thorax showed internal mammary lymph node enlargement, likely metastasis. We performed modified surgical reconstruction after enbloc radical resection of part of manubrium; hemi sternum, chest wall and left parasternal IMLN. Patient remained disease free to date. DISCUSSION: There is no standard treatment after IMLN metastasis. Previous surgical studies reported no survival benefit with ERM, but is there any role of adjuvant locoregional radiotherapy or systemic therapy to prevent relapses in IMLN is a matter of debate. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge this is first case ever managed with radical enbloc surgical resection and modified reconstruction of chest wall using such technique. Our reconstruction technique provides better chest wall stability with minimal risk of plate dislodgement or excursion and at the same time provides good cosmoses and better survival.