Julie Margenthaler, MD, FACS

Julie Margenthaler, MD, FACS, Professor of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and a breast surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, emphasized that these data confirm the very low risk of locoregional recurrence after mastectomy for pure ductal carcinoma in situ and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion regardless of age.

“Although the most important factor for chest wall recurrence was young age, the rate remains low at 4.2%, even in that population,” said Dr. Margenthaler. “The take-home message for patients is that risk of recurrence is low, but it is important to continue to monitor the chest wall with yearly physical examination, especially in younger patients.” ■

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Margenthaler reported no conflicts of interest.