OBJECTIVETo investigate the methods of lesion localization and surgical treatment for non-palpable breast cancer, presented with only small calcification lesion on the images.

METHODSFrom November 2003 to August 2007, 61 patients with non-palpable lesion were finally pathologically diagnosed as early breast cancer (T1-2N0M0), based on the small calcification lesions shown by full field digital mammography (FFDM) through molybdenum target, and the rich blood supply shown by type-B ultrasonic examination. Accurate lesion-localization prior to surgical resection was conducted, and sample re-examination by FFDM was done after resection. Patients with single lesion underwent breast-conserving surgery, precise excision with the aid of image-guided wire localization, and stage I breast reconstruction was performed simultaneously using wide-based gland-tissue flap. Patients with multiple lesions received modified radical mastectomy.

RESULTSAmong the 50 patients treated with breast-conserving surgery, the accuracy of localization for lesions was 100% (50/50), and all lesions were excised completely with a negative margin proven by FFDM re-examination and pathological examination. The superior rate of mammaplasty was 86.0% (43/50) according to JCRT criteria, with a compliance difference of 1.5 cm. Modified radical mastectomy was performed in 11 patients. The follow-up period in this series was from 6 to 58 months with a mean follow-up time of 39 months. Distant metastases were detected in only one patient and local recurrence was not observed yet.

CONCLUSIONLesion localization by FFDM in patients with non-palpable breast cancer is accurate and practical. In patients with single lesion, breast-conserving resection followed by synchronous stage I breast reconstruction with wide-based gland-tissue flap is appropriate.