Oncologic outcomes and technical considerations of nipple-sparing mastectomies in breast cancer: experience of 425 cases from a single institution

Background Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is an advantageous treatment option, providing a complete cure and good cosmetic results. We tested whether NSM is a surgically and oncologically safe technique. Methods We evaluated the oncological outcome of 425 breasts in 413 patients who underwent NSM between January 2000 and March 2013. We retrospectively reviewed patient data and analyzed all patient characteristics as potential risk factors of recurrence at the nipple–areola complex (NAC). To confirm the oncological safety of NSM, we compared outcomes of NSM and conventional total mastectomy. Results The median follow-up time after surgery was 46.8 months (range 6–158 months). Nipple necrosis was observed in 6 cases (1.4 %). The cumulative local recurrence rate after NSM was 5.8 % (25/425 cases), similar to that of conventional total mastectomy in the same period (5.6 %, 49/878 cases). Furthermore, the cumulative local recurrence rate at the NAC was 2.3 % (10 cases). HER2-enriched tumors and young age (