Predicting local recurrence following breast-conserving therapy for early stage breast cancer: The significance of a narrow (≤2 mm) surgical resection margin

Background and Objectives Controversy continues over the extent of surgical resection margin required to minimize the risk of local recurrence (LR) in breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for early stage breast cancer. This study explores whether or not a narrow (≤2 mm) but negative resection margin affects LR. Methods All patients registered at the Saskatoon Cancer Center between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2000 with a diagnosis of early stage invasive duct carcinoma treated with BCT were examined. All charts and pathology reports were reviewed with a review of the pathology for all cases where the resection margin was unclear in the original report. Other factors known or thought to effect LR (age, radiation boost, grade, extensive DCIS, ER/PR receptor status) were considered in the statistical analysis. Results Amongst the 200 narrow margin cases 19 LR were detected (19/201 = 9.5%) while 52 LR were detected in the 491 wide margin cases (52/491 = 10.6%). This difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions A narrow (≤2 mm) surgical resection margin does not result in an increase in LR compared to a surgical resection margin >2 mm in BCT for early stage duct carcinoma and does not warrant re-excision. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:212–216. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.