Outcome of multiple-wire localization for larger breast cancers: do multiple wires translate into additional imaging, biopsies, and recurrences?

BackgroundBreast conservation is possible in breast cancer patients whose mammographic lesions are large enough to require multiple localizing wires for excision.MethodsA retrospective review of 112 patients who underwent multiple-wire and 160 controls who underwent single-wire lumpectomy for breast cancer. Rates of in-breast recurrence, metastasis, and additional imaging and biopsy procedures were calculated.ResultsThe median follow-up was 24 months. One multiple-wire and 2 single-wire patients developed in-breast recurrences (P = .84). No distant metastases developed among the multiple-wire patients. Additional follow-up imaging was obtained in 29% of multiple-wire and 22% of single-wire cases (P = .1). Seven (6%) of the multiple-wire and 11 (6%) of the single-wire cases underwent biopsy (P = .94).ConclusionsWe found no increased risk of early local recurrence, metastasis, or additional imaging or biopsies in patients requiring multiple-wire localization for lumpectomy. Breast conservation should be considered a safe option even for patients with mammographically extensive lesions.