Breast Surgery Practice Questions

Q: A 45-year-old female underwent a modified radical mastectomy with axillary clearance for breast cancer. Post-surgery, she is unable to lift her arm above her head. Which nerve is most likely to be injured?

Long thoracic nerve of Bell. ***Long thoracic nerve of Bell*** - Injury to the **long thoracic nerve** (nerve to the serratus anterior) leads to **paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle**. - This muscle is crucial for **upward rotation and protraction of the scapula**, which is essential for arm elevation above the head and preventing **'winging' of the scapula**. *Intercostobrachial nerve* - Injury to the **intercostobrachial nerve** typically causes **sensory loss** or numbness in the medial upper arm. - It does not primarily affect motor function or the ability to lift the arm. *Nerve to latissimus Dorsi* - The **thoracodorsal nerve** innervates the **latissimus dorsi muscle**, which is involved in adduction, extension, and internal rotation of the arm. - Injury to this nerve would impair these movements but not directly prevent arm elevation above the head. *Lateral Pectoral nerve* - The **lateral pectoral nerve** supplies the **pectoralis major muscle**, primarily its clavicular head. - Injury would weaken adduction and flexion of the arm, but the inability to lift the arm above the head strongly points to serratus anterior dysfunction.

Q: A 22 year old woman comes with a non progressive mass in the left breast since 6 months. There are no associated symptoms. Examination shows a mobile mass not attached to the overlying skin or underlying tissue. The possible diagnosis is

Fibroadenoma. ***Fibroadenoma*** - This is the most common benign breast tumor in young women, typically presenting as a **mobile, non-tender, firm mass** with no attachment to surrounding tissues. - The history of a **non-progressive mass** over six months in a 22-year-old woman is highly characteristic of a fibroadenoma. *Cystasarcoma Phylloides* - While it can present as a mobile mass, phyllodes tumors tend to grow **rapidly** and can reach a large size, which contradicts the "non-progressive" nature of the mass described. - Phyllodes tumors often have a **leaf-like architectural pattern** histologically and can be benign, borderline, or malignant. *Scirrhous Carcinoma* - This is a type of invasive ductal carcinoma that typically presents as a **hard, irregular, fixed mass** that is often attached to the skin or underlying tissue, unlike the mobile mass described here. - It is common in older women and often associated with **skin dimpling** or nipple retraction. *Fibroadenosis* - This refers to a group of benign breast changes, often presenting with generalized **lumpiness, pain, or tenderness** that fluctuates with the menstrual cycle, rather than a discrete, solitary mass. - It usually presents as **multiple, diffuse nodules** rather than a single, well-defined mass.

Q: CA Breast may locally spread to all of the following muscles except

Latissimus Dorsi. ***Latissimus Dorsi*** - The **latissimus dorsi** muscle is located on the posterior aspect of the trunk and arm, significantly deeper and further away from the breast tissue compared to other surrounding muscles. - Direct local invasion of breast cancer to the latissimus dorsi is rare and typically requires extensive tumor growth or metastasis to more distant sites before affecting this muscle. *Pectoralis Minor* - The **pectoralis minor** muscle lies directly beneath the pectoralis major and is in close proximity to the deeper aspects of the breast tissue. - Tumors that invade the **deep fascia** of the breast can directly extend into this muscle. *Serratus Anterior* - The **serratus anterior** muscle is located on the lateral wall of the thorax, forming part of the chest wall beneath the breast. - **Aggressive breast cancers**, particularly those in the outer quadrants, can invade the fascial planes covering this muscle. *Pectoralis Major* - The **pectoralis major** forms the anterior wall of the axilla and lies directly beneath the majority of the breast tissue. - It is one of the most common muscles to be affected by **direct local invasion** from breast cancer due to its anatomical proximity.

Q: Indication for sentinel node biopsy is:

Non-palpable axillary lymph node. ***Non-palpable axillary lymph node*** - **Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)** is indicated when there is no clinical evidence of axillary lymph node involvement, meaning the nodes are **non-palpable**. - Its purpose is to identify micrometastases that would not be detectable by physical examination, staging the cancer more accurately and guiding further treatment. *Palpable axillary lymph node* - A **palpable axillary lymph node** suggests macroscopic nodal involvement, usually requiring a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy for diagnosis. - If positive, these patients typically proceed directly to **axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)** rather than SLNB. *Mass > 5 cm* - The size of the primary tumor (e.g., > 5 cm) is a factor in staging but does not, in itself, preclude or indicate SLNB. - While larger tumors have a higher risk of nodal involvement, the decision for SLNB still hinges on the clinical status of the axilla (palpable vs. non-palpable nodes). *Metastasis* - If **distant metastasis** is confirmed, the focus shifts to palliative care and systemic treatment, making a regional staging procedure like SLNB less relevant or unnecessary. - SLNB is used for staging early-stage cancer to detect regional spread, not when widespread disease is already established.

Q: Among the following, intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection in axilla can be done using

Isosulfan blue dye. ***Correct Option: Isosulfan blue dye*** - **Isosulfan blue dye** is a vital dye used for **intraoperative visual identification** of sentinel lymph nodes in the axilla during breast cancer surgery - The dye is injected near the tumor site and **preferentially concentrates in lymphatic channels**, allowing the surgeon to visually trace the lymphatic drainage to the **first lymph node(s)** (sentinel nodes) receiving lymph flow - The sentinel nodes appear **blue-stained** and can be identified and excised for biopsy to determine lymph node status - **Alternative methods** include radioactive tracers like **Technetium-99m** or a combination of both (dual mapping technique) *Incorrect Option: Mammography* - Mammography is an **X-ray imaging technique** used for breast cancer screening and diagnosis to detect tumors and calcifications - It is a **pre-operative diagnostic tool**, not used for intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection - Cannot visualize or track lymphatic flow during surgery *Incorrect Option: MRI* - MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides detailed anatomical assessment and staging of breast cancer pre-operatively - It is a **static imaging modality** that cannot be used for real-time intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection - Does not visualize lymphatic drainage or dye uptake during surgery *Incorrect Option: CT* - CT scans (Computed Tomography) provide cross-sectional images useful for assessing tumor size and metastatic spread - Not employed for **intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection** - Cannot track real-time lymphatic flow with dyes during surgery

Q: Which of the following is a contraindication to breast conservation surgery?

Presence of multicentric tumors. ***Presence of multicentric tumors*** - **Multicentric tumors** are defined as two or more discrete tumors in different quadrants of the breast, which cannot be removed with a single lumpectomy. - This condition is a contraindication for breast conservation surgery (BCS) because complete removal of all tumor foci while maintaining an acceptable cosmetic outcome is highly unlikely. *Involvement of axillary lymph nodes* - **Axillary lymph node involvement** is an important prognostic factor in breast cancer and influences adjuvant therapy decisions, but it is not a direct contraindication to BCS. - Patients with positive nodes often undergo axillary dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by radiation and/or systemic therapy, which can be combined with BCS. *Tumor size greater than 4 cm* - While larger tumor size (e.g., >4-5 cm) can make achieving negative surgical margins and a good cosmetic outcome more challenging with BCS, it is not an absolute contraindication. - **Neoadjuvant chemotherapy** can often downstage larger tumors, making BCS a viable option for many patients. *Presence of diffuse microcalcifications* - **Diffuse microcalcifications** can sometimes indicate extensive ductal carcinoma in situ (**DCIS**) or invasive lobular carcinoma with a widespread component. - However, if the microcalcifications represent a single focus of disease that can be entirely excised with negative margins, BCS may still be an option, especially if guided by stereotactic biopsy and imaging.

Q: Which of the following conditions is not typically treated with a simple mastectomy?

Fibroadenoma. ***Fibroadenoma*** - A **fibroadenoma** is a **benign tumor** of the breast that typically does not require a mastectomy for treatment. - Treatment usually involves **observation**, **excision**, or **cryoablation**, depending on size, symptoms, and patient preference. *Paget's disease* - **Paget's disease of the breast** is a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola, and is typically associated with an underlying **ductal carcinoma in situ** (DCIS) or **invasive breast cancer**. - Due to the presence of malignancy and its superficial spread, **mastectomy** (simple or modified radical) is often the recommended treatment, especially for extensive disease. *Cystosarcoma phyllodes* - Formerly known as **phyllodes tumor**, this is a rare **stromal tumor** of the breast that can be benign, borderline, or malignant. - Due to its potential for local recurrence and, in malignant cases, metastasis, **wide local excision with clear margins** is crucial, and a **simple mastectomy** may be necessary for large or recurrent tumors to achieve adequate margin control. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because fibroadenoma is a condition not typically treated with a simple mastectomy, unlike Paget's disease and cystosarcoma phyllodes.

Q: Which of the following stages of Breast Cancer corresponds to the following features: a breast mass of 6 x 3 cm, ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis that cannot be assessed?

T3 N3c MX. ***T3 N3c MX*** - A **breast mass of 6 x 3 cm** indicates a T3 tumor (tumor size > 5 cm). - **Ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement** is classified as N3c disease. **Distant metastasis that cannot be assessed** is denoted by MX. *T4 N3 MX* - A **T4 classification** is reserved for tumors with direct extension to the chest wall or skin, or inflammatory breast cancer, which is not mentioned here. - While N3c and MX are correct for the nodal and metastatic status, the T stage is inaccurate based on the provided tumor size. *T4 N1 M1* - A **T4 classification** is incorrect as the mass size alone (6 x 3 cm) does not meet T4 criteria. - **N1** denotes involvement of 1-3 axillary lymph nodes, which is less extensive than supraclavicular involvement (N3c). **M1** indicates confirmed distant metastasis, but the question states it "cannot be assessed" (MX). *T4 N0 M0* - **T4** is incorrect, as this stage is for direct chest wall/skin involvement or inflammatory breast cancer. - **N0** signifies no regional lymph node metastasis, contradicting the presence of supraclavicular lymph node involvement. **M0** indicates no distant metastasis, whereas the question specifies it cannot be assessed (MX).

Q: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in carcinoma breast is done if -

Breast mass but no lymph node palpable. ***Breast mass but no lymph node palpable*** - Sentinel lymph node biopsy is primarily performed in patients with **clinically negative axillae** (no palpable lymph nodes) to assess for microscopic metastatic disease. - The goal is to avoid full axillary lymph node dissection if the sentinel nodes are negative, thus reducing the risk of **lymphedema** and other complications. *LN palpable* - If a lymph node is palpable, it is often considered **clinically suspicious** and may warrant a direct fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy rather than a sentinel node biopsy. - A positive biopsy from a palpable node would typically lead directly to an **axillary lymph node dissection** or neoadjuvant therapy, as the sentinel node procedure offers less benefit in this scenario. *Breast lump with palpable axillary node* - Similar to a palpable LN, a **palpable axillary node** in the presence of a breast lump suggests established nodal involvement. - In such cases, **sentinel lymph node biopsy** is often not the initial step; rather, direct biopsy of the palpable node or upfront axillary dissection (sometimes after neoadjuvant treatment) is considered. *Metastatic CA breast* - In **metastatic breast cancer** (stage IV disease), the focus shifts to systemic treatment, and axillary lymph node dissection, including sentinel node biopsy, is generally not indicated for staging purposes. - The primary goal is palliative care or controlling systemic disease, not regional lymph node staging.

Q: Which condition typically presents with irregular, hard palpable masses in the breast?

Invasive ductal carcinoma. ***Paget's disease*** - Paget's disease of the breast leads to **palpable abnormalities** such as skin changes and underlying mass formation [1]. - Often presents with **nipple discharge** and alterations in the areola, indicating an underlying malignancy [2]. *Non comedo DCIS* - Non comedo ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) typically presents with **microscopic changes** and lacks palpable masses. - Frequently asymptomatic and may not cause any **significant clinical findings** or changes in the breast. *None* - This option suggests the absence of a related condition, which does not address the query about a type of DCIS causing a **palpable abnormality**. - In the context of DCIS, there are sure conditions (like Paget's) that **do cause palpable changes**. *Comedocarcinoma* - This type of DCIS is characterized by **necrosis and calcifications**, rather than a palpable mass. - While potentially aggressive, it usually does not present with noticeable **palpable abnormalities** like Paget's disease. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Breast, pp. 1061-1062. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 456-457.

Question 1

A 45-year-old female underwent a modified radical mastectomy with axillary clearance for breast cancer. Post-surgery, she is unable to lift her arm above her head. Which nerve is most likely to be injured?

Accepted Answer

Long thoracic nerve of Bell

Answer

Intercostobrachial nerve

Answer

Nerve to latissimus Dorsi

Answer

Lateral Pectoral nerve

Question 2

A 22 year old woman comes with a non progressive mass in the left breast since 6 months. There are no associated symptoms. Examination shows a mobile mass not attached to the overlying skin or underlying tissue. The possible diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Cystasarcoma Phylloides

Answer

Scirrhous Carcinoma

Answer

Fibroadenosis

Question 3

CA Breast may locally spread to all of the following muscles except

Accepted Answer

Latissimus Dorsi

Answer

Pectoralis Minor

Answer

Serratus Anterior

Answer

Pectoralis Major

Question 4

Indication for sentinel node biopsy is:

Accepted Answer

Non-palpable axillary lymph node

Answer

Palpable axillary lymph node

Answer

Metastasis

Answer

Mass > 5 cm

Question 5

Among the following, intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection in axilla can be done using

Accepted Answer

Isosulfan blue dye

Answer

Mammography

Answer

MRI

Answer

CT

Question 6

Which of the following is a contraindication to breast conservation surgery?

Accepted Answer

Presence of multicentric tumors

Answer

Involvement of axillary lymph nodes

Answer

Tumor size greater than 4 cm

Answer

Presence of diffuse microcalcifications

Question 7

Which of the following conditions is not typically treated with a simple mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Paget's disease

Answer

Cystosarcoma phyllodes

Answer

None of the options

Question 8

Which of the following stages of Breast Cancer corresponds to the following features: a breast mass of 6 x 3 cm, ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis that cannot be assessed?

Accepted Answer

T3 N3c MX

Answer

T4 N3 MX

Answer

T4 N1 M1

Answer

T4 N0 M0

Question 9

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in carcinoma breast is done if -

Accepted Answer

Breast mass but no lymph node palpable

Answer

LN palpable

Answer

Breast lump with palpable axillary node

Answer

Metastatic CA breast

Question 10

Which condition typically presents with irregular, hard palpable masses in the breast?

Accepted Answer

Invasive ductal carcinoma

Answer

Non comedo DCIS

Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Comedocarcinoma

Breast Surgery — MCQs

Breast Surgery — MCQs

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