Reduction mammaplasty specimens and occult breast carcinomas

Aim The aim of this study was to report the incidence of occult cancer in reduction mammaplasty (RM) specimens. Methods A retrospective study of 314 women who underwent RM from February 1996 to August 2001. Results Occult carcinomas were detected in three patients, in two of which the lesions were invasive. Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia was found in five cases and other carcinoma risk lesions in four patients. Other benign changes were identified in totally 133 patients. Conclusion Incidental carcinomas will occasionally be found in RM procedures.