INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is described as breast cancer diagnosed within pregnancy or within 1 year postpartum. PABC is becoming more common due to delayed childbearing, with older maternal age increasing the likelihood of tumorigenesis coinciding with pregnancy. Our review aims to outline the important principles of managing PABC, and discusses future fertility implications, genetic testing and postnatal considera-tions that are not often considered in other existing reviews. METHOD: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS: A persistent breast mass in pregnant women should be evaluated with a breast ultrasound. Total mastectomy is the standard treatment in the first trimester. Chemotherapy is contraindicated in the first trimesters, but can be given in the second and third trimester, and stopped before 35 weeks. Radiotherapy should be delayed until delivery, and hormone receptor therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team involving an obstetrician, medical oncologist and other allied health professionals is crucial. Delivery should be planned as close to 37 weeks as possible, and at least 3 weeks after the last chemotherapy cycle. Vaginal delivery is preferred, and breastfeeding can resume 14 days after the last chemotherapy regime. CONCLUSION A breast mass in a pregnant woman should not be dismissed. PABC must be managed by multidisciplinary teams at tertiary medical centres with access to surgery and chemoradiation therapies. Management strategies must include safe manage-ment and delivery of the fetus, contraception and future fertility planning.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/diagnosis* ; Mastectomy ; Delivery, Obstetric

Study on the mechanism of Fangxia Dihuang Formula(FXDH) in treating breast cancer complicated with depression through the regulation of M1/M2 microglial polarization via the PERK/eIF2α axis. In addition to control group and 4T1 group, a mouse model of breast cancer complicated with depression was established using 4T1 cells combined with corticosterone. The mice were divided into model group, PERK/eIF2α signaling axis agonist(CCT020312, 2 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group, CCT020312(2 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) + FXDH(13.65 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group, FXDH(13.65 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group, FXDH(13.65 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) + Capecitabine Tablets(CAP, 390 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group, and Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Capsules(FXT, 2.6 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) + CAP(390 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group, with continuous intervention for 21 d. Depression-like behaviors in mice were assessed through sugar preference test and open field test. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to evaluate the morphology of tumor and hippocampal DG region neurons. Nissl staining was employed to detect changes in Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA3 region. Immunofluorescence was used to observe cluster of differentiation 86(CD86)/ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1) and cluster of differentiation 206(CD206)/Iba-1 in hippocampal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of M1-type microglia [interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)] and M2-type [arginase-1(Arg-1), IL-10] in hippocampal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of key factors in the PERK/eIF2α axis, including PERK, eIF2α, activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP) in hippocampal tissue. The results showed that compared to model group/CCT020312 + FXDH group, FXDH group increased sugar preference index, total movement distance, central zone distance, and central zone entries; reduced tumor mass and volume; tumor cells were sparsely arranged, with a smaller nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and reduced nuclear division figures, increased Nissl body count, and alleviated neuronal nuclear pyknosis; increased CD206-positive M2-type microglia expression, decreased CD86/Iba-1-positive M1-type microglia expression; reduced IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression, and increased Arg-1 and IL-10 mRNA expression; downregulated PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP protein expression levels. The results indicate that the mechanism of FXDH in treating breast cancer complicated with depression may be related to inhibiting the activity of the PERK/eIF2α axis, reducing the proportion of M1-type microglia, increasing the proportion of M2-type microglia, thereby suppressing neuronal immune inflammation, improving depressive symptoms, and subsequently delaying the progression of breast cancer.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Female ; Microglia/cytology* ; Mice ; Depression/complications* ; eIF-2 Kinase/genetics* ; Humans ; Breast Neoplasms/psychology* ; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of single-stage vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) combined with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) and liposuction (LS) (3L) versus LVA combined with LS (2L) for the treatment of moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 patients with moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, treated between June 2022 and June 2024, who met the selection criteria. Patients were divided into 3L group (n=7) and 2L group (n=9) based on the surgical approach. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline data between the groups, including age, body mass index, duration of edema, volume of liposuction, International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage, preoperative affected limb volume, preoperative circumferences of the affected limb at 12 levels (from 4 cm distal to the wrist to 42 cm proximal to the wrist), preoperative Lymphoedema Quality of Life (LYMQoL) score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes. The 2L group underwent LS on the upper arm and proximal forearm and LVA on the middle and distal forearm. The 3L group received additional VLNT in the axilla, with the groin serving as the donor site. Outcomes were assessed included the change in affected limb volume at 12 months postoperatively, and comparisons of limb circumferences, LYMQoL score, and frequency of cellulitis episodes between preoperative and 12-month postoperative. Ultrasound evaluation was performed at 12 months in the 3L group to assess lymph node viability. RESULTS: Both groups were followed up 12-20 months, with an average of 15.13 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the groups (t=-1.115, P=0.284). All surgical incisions healed by first intention. No adverse events, such as flap infection or necrosis, occurred in the 3L group. At 12 months after operation, ultrasound confirmed good viability of the transferred lymph nodes in the 3L group. Palpation revealed significant improvement in skin fibrosis and improved skin softness in both groups. Affected limb volume significantly decreased in both groups postoperatively (P<0.05). The reduction in limb volume significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). Circumferences at all 12 measured levels significantly decreased in both groups compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). The reduction in circumference at all 12 levels was better in the 3L group than in the 2L group, with significant differences observed at 7 levels (8, 12, 16, 30, 34, 38, and 42 cm) proximal to the wrist (P<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in the frequency of cellulitis episodes and LYMQoL scores postoperatively (P<0.05). While the improvement in LYMQoL scores at 12 months did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05), the reduction in cellulitis episodes was significantly greater in the 3L group compared to the 2L group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of VLNT+LVA+LS provides more durable and comprehensive outcomes for moderate-to-late stage upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery compared to LVA+LS, offering an improved therapeutic solution for patients.
Humans ; Female ; Lipectomy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Lymphedema/etiology* ; Middle Aged ; Upper Extremity/surgery* ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Lymph Nodes/blood supply* ; Adult ; Lymphatic Vessels/surgery* ; Iliac Artery/surgery* ; Postoperative Complications/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Treatment Outcome ; Mastectomy/adverse effects* ; Quality of Life ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the perioperative management experiences for breast cancer patients undergoing direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction, and provide reference for clinical practice. METHODS: A comprehensive review of recent domestic and international literature was conducted to systematically summarize the key points of perioperative management for direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction, including preoperative health education, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative management measures, along with an introduction to the clinical experiences of West China Hospital of Sichuan University. RESULTS: Standardized perioperative management can effectively reduce the incidence of complications and achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes and quality of life after operation. Preoperative management includes proactive health education to alleviate patients' anxiety and improve treatment compliance, as well as comprehensive assessment by surgeons of the patient's physical condition and reconstructive expectations to select the most appropriate implant. Intraoperative management consists of strict aseptic technique, minimizing implant exposure, preserving blood supply to the nipple-areola complex (e.g., by using minimally invasive techniques or indocyanine green angiography, etc), and meticulous hemostasis. Postoperative management encompasses multimodal analgesia, individualized drain management (such as early removal or retaining a small amount of fluid to optimize contour), infection prevention and control (including topical and systemic antibiotics, ultrasound-guided minimally invasive drainage), guidance on rehabilitation exercises (early activity restriction followed by gradual recovery), and regular follow-up to evaluate aesthetic results and monitor for complications. CONCLUSION Establishing a standardized, multidisciplinary perioperative management framework markedly enhances surgical safety and patient satisfaction, thereby providing a replicable benchmark for direct-to-implant-based breast reconstruction across diverse clinical settings.
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; China ; Perioperative Care/methods* ; Breast Implants ; Mammaplasty/methods* ; Breast Implantation/methods* ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control* ; Quality of Life ; Mastectomy

Occult breast cancer (OBC) refers to a type of breast cancer where no primary lesion is detected through physical examination, imaging, and pathology. This report presents a clinical case of OBC with intestinal obstruction as the initial symptom. A 67-year-old female with no underlying conditions presented to Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University with intestinal obstruction. Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed thickening of the lower rectum and ascending colon, suggestive of a neoplastic lesion. Chest CT showed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the left axilla. Colonoscopy revealed only mucosal congestion, roughness, and thickening. Suspecting an intestinal tumor, laparoscopic radical resection of the rectal stenosis was performed. Postoperative pathology indicated poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Immunohistochemistry showed positive expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3), and cytokeratin 7 (CK7), suggesting breast cancer metastasis. Breast MRI revealed multiple proliferative nodules in both breasts (breast imaging reporting and data system, BI-RADS 2). Biopsies of the right lower-inner breast, bilateral axillary, and supraclavicular lymph nodes were performed. No carcinoma was found in the right breast tissues; however, small foci of carcinoma was detected in the right axillary lymph nodes, and poorly differentiated carcinoma of suspected breast origin was found in the bilateral supraclavicular and left axillary lymph nodes. The final diagnosis was OBC with lymph node and rectal metastasis. The patient died 16 months postoperatively. OBC often lacks identifiable primary breast lesions, and gastrointestinal metastases are particularly rare. Clinical manifestations are frequently masked by symptoms of metastatic lesions, making diagnosis challenging. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion. Due to rapid disease progression and multiorgan involvement, prognosis is extremely poor. Early identification of the primary lesion in OBC is crucial for improving outcomes.
Humans ; Female ; Aged ; Intestinal Obstruction/etiology* ; Breast Neoplasms/pathology* ; Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis* ; Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/complications* ; Rectal Neoplasms/complications*

Objective: To examine the application of volume replacement techniques in breast conserving surgery for breast cancer. Methods: The clinic data of 76 breast cancer patients underwent a breast conserving surgery with volume replacement techniques at the Breast Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, from June 2019 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were female, aged (42.6±6.4) years (range: 32 to 56 years). Tumor staging inlcuded stage ⅡA in 36 cases, stage ⅡB in 24 cases, stage ⅢA in 12 cases, stage ⅢB in 4 cases. Three types of techniques included the lateral thoracic adipofascial flaps in 47 cases, the upper abdominal wall adipofascial flaps in 22 cases and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in 7 cases. The specimen volume of tumor expansion resection in breast conserving surgery was measured, while the operative time used for volume replacement techniques, postoperative drainage retention time, postoperative complications and patients' satisfaction with the breast shape were recorded. Results: The specimen volume of tumor was (100.9±24.2) ml (range: 55 to 157 ml) in lateral thoracic adipofascial flap group, (88.4±14.5) ml (67 to 118 ml) in upper abdominal wall adipofascial flap group, (179.7±22.9) ml (range: 155 to 220 ml) in latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap group. The operative time used to restore the breast shape of the three groups were (52.9±9.0) minutes (range: 45 to 70 minutes), (63.2±8.8) minutes (range: 50 to 70 minutes) and (99.3±3.4) minutes (range: 95 to 105 minutes), respectively. The postoperative drainage retention times of the three groups were (8.6±1.2) days (range: 7 to 10 days), (9.4±0.9) days (range: 8 to 10 days) and (11.4±1.3) days (range: 10 to 13 days), respectively. All the 76 patients were evaluated for their satisfaction with the cosmetic outcomes, 64 patients (84.2%) were strongly satisfied and 12 patients (15.8%) were generally satisfied. The postoperative complications included fat liquefaction in 6 cases (2 cases in the lateral thoracic adipofascial flap group and 4 cases in the upper abdominal adipofascial flap group) and seroma in 4 cases (each 2 cases in the lateral thoracic adipofascial flap group and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap group). Conclusions: For patients with large tissue loss during breast conserving surgery, the corresponding volume replacement techniques, including lateral thoracic adipofascial flaps, upper abdominal wall adpofascial flaps and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, should be reasonably selected for repair according to the tumor site and the size of the intraoperative breast loss, which can ensure the original volume and shape of the breast, with controllable postoperative complications.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Retrospective Studies ; Breast ; Postoperative Complications

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with warm acupuncture in treating breast cancer associated with upper limb lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using a paired control design. Fifty-two BCRL patients were assigned to the control group (27 cases) and the treatment group (25 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with lymphedema comprehensive detumescence treatment (CDT) for 4 weeks, including systematic therapy composed of manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandage, skincare, and functional exercise. The patients in the treatment group were treated with TEAS combined with warm acupuncture based on the control group methods. Each treatment lasted for 30 min and was applied twice a week for 4 weeks. The arm circumference (AC) of different positions of the affected limb and the degree of swelling of the affected limb were evaluated before the first treatment and after the last treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the degree of edema before and after treatment. All adverse events during treatment were recorded. RESULTS: The patients' AC and the swelling feeling of the affected limb in the treatment group and the control group were both reduced compared with those before treatment. Compared with the control group, AC of the wrist joint transverse stria, the midpoint between the wrist joint transverse stria and the elbow joint transverse stria in the treatment group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). The decrease in AC diameter at the midpoint between the elbow joint transverse stria and the axillary transverse stria was the most significant (P<0.01). The swelling degree of the affected limbs in the treatment group was significantly lower than before treatment, and was significantly lower compared with the control group after treatment (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 72% in the treatment group, significantly higher than that in the control group (55.56%, P<0.05). No serious adverse events occured in either group. CONCLUSIONS TEAS combined with warm acupuncture can effectively reduce AC and swelling feeling of the affected limb in patients with BCRL. The effect is better than that of CDT therapy alone. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062075).
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Retrospective Studies ; Lymphedema/complications* ; Acupuncture Therapy/adverse effects* ; Upper Extremity ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To investigate the oncologic and surgical safety of the fused fascia method for immediate breast reconstruction with implants. Methods: The clinical data of 343 patients with immediate breast reconstruction with implants in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2014-2017 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the 5-year local recurrence-free survival, 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival of patients with breast reconstruction by fusion fascia and other methods, and to analyze the complication incidences of implant removal between different implant groups. Results: Of the 343 patients with breast reconstruction, 95 were in the fused fascia group (fascia group) and 248 were in the non-fascia group (25 in the bovine pericardial patch group and 223 in the muscle flap group). At a median follow-up of 49 months, the differences in 5-year local recurrence-free survival (90.1% and 94.9%, respectively), 5-year disease-free survival (89.2% and 87.6%, respectively), and 5-year overall survival (95.2% and 95.1%, respectively) between patients in the fascial and non-fascial groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The complication incidence of implant removal was 24.0% (6/25) in the patch group and 2.1% (2/95) and 2.2% (5/223) in the fascia and muscle flap groups, respectively. Conclusion: Immediate breast reconstruction with fused fascial combined with implant is safe and feasible, less invasive than muscle flaps, more economical and with fewer complications than patches.
Humans ; Animals ; Cattle ; Female ; Mastectomy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Breast Implants/adverse effects* ; Feasibility Studies ; Mammaplasty/methods* ; Breast Neoplasms/complications* ; Treatment Outcome ; Postoperative Complications/surgery*

Objective: To investigate the histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of benign apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia of the breast with loss of myoepithelial cell layer. Methods: The clinical data, histopathological features and immunohistochemical profile of patients with benign apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia of breast with loss of myoepithelial cell layer from January 2016 to December 2021 were examined, in which six patients were identified. Results: All six patients were female, aged 36-61 years (median 46 years), who presented with a breast mass; three cases were from the left breast and three cases were from the right breast. Microscopic examination of all cases showed breast hyperplasia with apocrine cysts, accompanied by different degrees of micropapillary and papillary hyperplasia of apocrine cells. One case was associated with lobular carcinoma in situ, and one case was associated with apocrine ductal carcinoma in situ with intraductal dissemination in adenosis. Immunohistochemical staining of CK5/6, p63, SMA, SMMHC, Calponin and CD10 showed complete absence of myoepithelial cell layer surrounding ducts in apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia. Conclusions: The myoepithelial cells of apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia of the breast may undergo abnormal changes and may even be completely lost. The diagnosis should be comprehensively considered along with cytomorphological and histological features to avoid overdiagnosis.
Female ; Humans ; Epithelial Cells/pathology* ; Hyperplasia/pathology* ; Papilloma/pathology* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Mammary Glands, Human/pathology* ; Breast Neoplasms/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Lobular/complications* ; Carcinoma, Ductal/complications*

Breast cancer and lung cancer are the two most common malignancies in China. With the continuous improvement of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment technology, the survival time of breast cancer patients has been prolonged, and the number of breast cancer patients with second primary lung cancer (SPLC) has increased. In addition, breast cancer is the most common primary cancer in female patients with SPLC, and SPLC is the main cause of death in this population. More and more physicians pay attention to this clinical phenomenon. This paper summarized the risk and risk factors of SPLC in breast cancer patients, and elaborated its pathogenesis, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical management of breast cancer patients and achieve accurate early intervention as soon as possible.
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Humans ; Female ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology* ; Breast Neoplasms/complications* ; Neoplasms, Second Primary/pathology* ; Risk Factors