Abstract In this integrative review, we aimed to describe the records of time devoted by physicians to breast ultrasound in a review of articles in the literature, in order to observe whether the automation of the method enabled a reduction in these values. We selected articles from the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and MEDLINE databases, through Virtual Health Library (BVS), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), PubMed, and Scopus. We obtained 561 articles, and, after excluding duplicates and screening procedures, 9 were selected, whose main information related to the guiding question of the research was synthesized and analyzed. It was concluded that the automation of breast ultrasound represents a possible strategy for optimization of the medical time dedicated to the method, but this needs to be better evaluated in comparative studies between both methods (traditional and automated), with methodology directed to the specific investigation of this potentiality.

Resumo Na presente revisão integrativa, objetivamos descrever os registros de tempo dedicado pelos médicos à ultrassonografia mamária em revisão de artigos da literatura, visando observar se a automação do método possibilitou redução destes valores. Selecionamos artigos nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e MEDLINE, através da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), PubMed e Scopus. Obtivemos 561 artigos e, após a exclusão de artigos duplicados e procedimentos de triagem, foram selecionados 9 artigos, cujas informações principais relativas à pergunta norteadora da pesquisa foram sintetizadas e analisadas. Foi concluído que a automação da ultrassonografia mamária representa uma possível estratégia de otimização do tempo médico dedicado ao método; porém, essa conclusão necessita ser melhor avaliada em estudos comparativos entre ambos os métodos (tradicional e automatizado), com metodologia direcionada à investigação específica desta potencialidade.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of study methodology and evaluation type on the selection of studies during the presentation of scientific events. METHODS: A prospective, observational, transversal approach was applied to a cohort of studies that were submitted for presentation at the 2021 Brazilian Breast Cancer Symposium. Three forms of criteria (CR) were presented. CR1 was based on six criteria (method, ethics, design, originality, promotion, and social contribution); CR2 graded the studies from 0 to 10 for each study, and CR3 was based on five criteria (presentation, method, originality, scientific knowledge, and social contribution). To evaluate the item correlation, Cronbach’s alpha and factorial analysis were performed. For the evaluation of differences between the tests, we used the Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Dunn tests. To determine the differences in the study classifications, we used the Friedman test and Namenyi’s all-pairs comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 122 studies were evaluated. There was also a good correlation with the items concerning criterion 1 (α=0.730) and 3 (α=0.937). Evaluating CR1 methodology, study design and social contribution (p=0.741) represents the main factor and CR3 methodology, and the scientific contribution (p=0.994) represents the main factor. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in the results (p<0.001) for all the criteria that were used [CR1-CR2 (p<0.001), CR1-CR3 (p<0.001), and CR2-CR3 (p=0.004)]. The Friedman test showed differences in the ranking of the studies (p<0.001) for all studies (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Methodologies that use multiple criteria show good correlation and should be taken into account when ranking the best studies.

Abstract Objective Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has been traditionally used in selected cases with tumor-to-nipple distance > 2 cm and negative frozen section of the base of the nipple. Recommending NSM in unselected populations remains controversial. The present study evaluated the oncological outcomes of patients submitted to NSM in an unselected population seen at a single center. Methods This retrospective cohort study included unselected patients with invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent NSM in 2010 to 2020. The endpoints were locoregional recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS), irrespective of tumor size or tumor-to-nipple distance. Results Seventy-six patients (mean age 46.1 years) (58 invasive carcinomas/18 DCIS) were included. The most invasive carcinomas were hormone-positive (60%) (HER2 overexpression: 24%; triple-negative: 16%), while 39% of DCIS were high-grade. Invasive carcinomas were T2 in 66% of cases, with axillary metastases in 38%. Surgical margins were all negative. All patients with invasive carcinoma received systemic treatment and 38% underwent radiotherapy. After a mean of 34.8 months, 3 patients with invasive carcinoma (5.1%) and 1 with DCIS (5.5%) had local recurrence. Two patients had distant metastasis and died during follow-up. The 5-year OS and DFS rates for invasive carcinoma were 98% and 83%, respectively. Conclusion In unselected cases, the 5-year oncological outcomes following NSM were found to be acceptable and comparable to previous reports. Further studies are required.

Resumo Objetivo A mastectomia poupadora do complexo areolo-mamilar (MPM) tem sido tradicionalmente utilizada em casos selecionados com distância tumor-mamilo > 2 cm e biópsia de congelação da base do mamilo negativa. Recomendar MPM em populações não selecionadas continua controverso. Este estudo avaliou os resultados oncológicos de pacientes submetidas à MPM em uma população não selecionada atendida em um único centro. Métodos Coorte retrospectivo incluindo pacientes não selecionadas com carcinoma invasivo ou carcinoma ductal in situ (CDIS) submetidas à MPM entre 2010 e 2020. Os desfechos incluíram: recorrência locorregional, sobrevida livre de doença (SLD) e sobrevida global (SG), independentemente do tamanho do tumor ou da distância tumor-mamilo. Resultados Setenta e seis pacientes (média: 46,1 anos de idade) (58 carcinomas invasivos/18 CDIS) foram incluídas. A maioria dos carcinomas invasivos era hormônio-positivo (60%) (superexpressão de HER2: 24%; triplo-negativo: 16%), enquanto 39% dos CDIS eram de alto grau histológico. Os carcinomas invasivos foram T2 em 66% dos casos, com metástases axilares em 38%. As margens cirúrgicas foram todas negativas. Todas as pacientes com carcinoma invasivo receberam tratamento sistêmico e 38% receberam radioterapia. Após um período médio de 34,8 meses, 3 pacientes com carcinoma invasivo (5,1%) e 1 com CDIS (5,5%) apresentaram recidiva local. Durante o acompanhamento, duas pacientes tiveram metástase à distância e vieram a óbito. As taxas de SG e SLD aos 5 anos para carcinoma invasivo foram de 98% e 83%, respectivamente. Conclusão Em casos não selecionados, os resultados oncológicos de 5 anos após MPM foram considerados aceitáveis e comparáveis a resultados anteriores. Estudos adicionais são necessários.

ABSTRACT We have previously reported the impact of covid-19 pandemic on breast cancer screening, in Brazil: among women aged 50–69 years, mammography attendance decreased by 42% in public healthcare (SUS), comparing 2019 and 2020. In this short communication, we wish to present: a) an update of the number of mammograms performed, in 2021; b) an exploratory analysis of the characteristics of the screened population between 2019 and 2021. A total of 1.675.307 mammograms were performed in 2021, nearly 15% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Almost a third, 29.5% of them, had intervals greater than three years. In accordance with our previous study, the number of patients with palpable lumps on physical exam increased. The consequences of postponing breast cancer screening during the pandemic are still uncertain. Unfortunately, as of December 2021, screening attendance has not resumed. On the contrary, our results show an increase in the fraction of women with mammography delayed beyond three years.

ABSTRACT We have previously reported the impact of covid-19 pandemic on breast cancer screening, in Brazil: among women aged 50–69 years, mammography attendance decreased by 42% in public healthcare (SUS), comparing 2019 and 2020. In this short communication, we wish to present: a) an update of the number of mammograms performed, in 2021; b) an exploratory analysis of the characteristics of the screened population between 2019 and 2021. A total of 1.675.307 mammograms were performed in 2021, nearly 15% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Almost a third, 29.5% of them, had intervals greater than three years. In accordance with our previous study, the number of patients with palpable lumps on physical exam increased. The consequences of postponing breast cancer screening during the pandemic are still uncertain. Unfortunately, as of December 2021, screening attendance has not resumed. On the contrary, our results show an increase in the fraction of women with mammography delayed beyond three years.

OBJECTIVES: The Lewis-Y antigen is expressed in 44%-90% of breast cancers (BCs). The expression of the antigen in carcinoma tissue differs from that in normal tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of the humanized anti-Lewis Y monoclonal antibody, hu3S193, in advanced hormone receptor-positive and Lewis Y-positive BC after administration of endocrine therapy (ET). METHODS: A single-arm phase II study was conducted in seven centers. Patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive BC who failed first-line ET were included. The inclusion criterion was the observation of tumoral expression of the Lewis Y antigen during immunohistochemistry. The treatment comprised hu3S193 antibody administration at weekly intravenous doses of 20 mg/m2 for 8-week cycles. The primary endpoint was the clinical benefit rate. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01370239. RESULTS: The study stopped accrual following an unplanned interim analysis as the hu3S193 antibody lacked sufficient activity to justify continuation of the study. Twenty-two patients were enrolled, of whom 21 were included in the efficacy analysis. The clinical benefit rate was 19%, with four patients presenting with stable disease after 24 weeks. One patient with prolonged stable disease received medication for over 2 years. No partial or complete responses were observed. The median time to progression and overall survival was 5.4 and 37.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The humanized anti-Lewis Y monoclonal antibody, hu3S193, exhibited insufficient activity in this cohort. However, the possibility of activity in a more strictly selected subgroup of patients with higher levels of Lewis Y tumoral expression cannot be overlooked.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The largest radiological accident to occur in any urban area happened in Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between breast cancer incidence and ionizing radiation levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Ecological study among residents of the city of Goiânia, Brazil. METHODS: The central region of Goiânia, with seven major sources of contamination from cesium-137, was defined as the study area. The addresses of women diagnosed with breast cancer were identified between 2001 and 2010. The data were geographically referenced and, using census data, the annual averages of crude incidence rates were estimated. The existence of clusters of new cases was ascertained by means of the Moran index. Correlations of radiometric measurements with the incidence were assessed using unconditional linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 4,105 new cases were identified, of which 2,233 were in the study area, and of these, 1,286 (57.59%) were georeferenced. The gross rates of total and referenced cases were 102.91 and 71.86/100,000 women, respectively. These were close to the average for Brazilian state capitals, which is 79.37/100,000 women. The cluster analysis showed slight correlations in three small sets of census tracts, but these were far from the sources of contamination. The scatter plot of points and the R2 value close to zero indicated that there was no association between the variables. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the hypothesis that the ionizing radiation levels to which women living in Goiânia are now exposed to are not associated with the onset of new cases of breast cancer.

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de uma paciente, 25 anos de idade, portadora de lesão volumosa em mama direita. A biópsia da lesão evidenciou neoplasia fusocelular de alto grau; a imuno-histoquímica não revelou a histogênese da lesão. A paciente foi submetida à cirurgia radical e ao tratamento adjuvante. Diante do perfil imuno-histoquímico e do arranjo em roseta em lesão fusocelular, foi realizada avaliação molecular de translocações associadas ao sarcoma de Ewing (SE); entretanto não foram observadas translocações comumente associadas a essa patologia [t(11;22)(q24;q12)]. O presente relato pode contribuir para a investigação diagnóstica de casos semelhantes, bem como para a orientação pré-teste da avaliação molecular.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 25-year-old female patient having a large lesion in the right breast. The core biopsy revealed a high-grade fusocellular neoplasm. Immunostains show no evidence of a specific line of differentiation. The patient underwent radical surgery and adjuvant treatment. Due to the immunohistochemical profile and the rosette arrangement in fusocellular injury, a molecular evaluation of translocations associated to the Ewing sarcoma (ES) was made. However, translocations commonly associated with this disease [t(11;22)(q24;q12)] were not observed. The present report can contribute to the diagnostic investigation of similar cases and to the pre-test orientation of the molecular evaluation.

RESUMEN Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 25 años con lesión voluminosa en mama derecha. La biopsia de la lesión mostró neoplasia fusocelular de alto grado; la inmunohistoquímica no ha determinado la histogénesis de la lesión. La paciente fue sometida a la cirugía radical y al tratamiento adyuvante. Ante el perfil inmunohistoquímico y la formación en roseta de la lesión fusocelular, se ha realizado una evaluación molecular de translocaciones asociadas al sarcoma de Ewing (SE); sin embargo no han sido observadas translocaciones comúnmente asociadas a esa patología [t(11;22)(q24;q12)]. El presente reporte puede ayudar en la investigación diagnóstica en casos similares así como orientar la evaluación molecular.

RESUMO Este consenso de recomendações para a radioterapia (RT) hipofracionada de toda a mama foi organizado pela Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia (SBRT) considerando o cenário ideal para indicação e segurança na tecnologia aplicada. Questões de controvérsias e contraindicações (RT hipofracionada em pacientes submetidas à quimioterapia [QT], RT hipofracionada nas drenagens linfáticas, RT hipofracionada após mastectomia com ou sem reconstrução imediata, a realização de reforço de dose em leito cirúrgico [ou boost], RT hipofracionada em pacientes com idade menor que 50 anos, RT hipofracionada em mamas volumosas, RT hipofracionada em histologia de carcinoma in situ [CDIS]) foram discutidas em encontro presencial, sendo o consenso atingido quando existisse concordância de pelo menos 75% dos panelistas. O grau de recomendação foi também sugerido de acordo com o nível de evidência científico disponível, qualificado entre fraco, médio ou forte. Assim, este consenso deverá servir para auxiliar os especialistas da radioterapia brasileira em relação às indicações e particularidades dessa técnica, como uma alternativa segura e viável para a realidade nacional.

SUMMARY This recommendation consensus for hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (RT) was organized by the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (SBRT) considering the optimal scenario for indication and safety in the technology applied. All controversies and contraindication matters (hypofractionated RT in patients who underwent chemotherapy [CT], hypofractionated RT in lymphatic drainage, hypofractionated RT after mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction, boost during surgery, hypofractionated RT in patients under 50 years old, hypofractionated RT in large breasts, hypofractionated RT in histology of carcinoma in situ [DCIS]) was discussed during a meeting in person, and a consensus was reached when there was an agreement of at least 75% among panel members. The grade for recommendation was also suggested according to the level of scientific evidence available, qualified as weak, medium, or strong. Thus, this consensus will aid Brazilian radiotherapy experts regarding indications and particularities of this technique as a viable and safe alternative for the national reality.

Abstract Introduction: in recent decades, lifestyle changes in women involving physical inactivity, insulin resistance and body fat distribution have been associated with an increase in breast cancer. Objective: to assess whether insulin resistance, lipid profile, and visceral adiposity are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Methods: a hospital-based case control study was conducted with 116 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and 226 controls. Body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, lipid accumulation product (LAP), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were assessed. Logistic regression was adjusted for body mass index and age to quantify the association between breast cancer risk and insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and visceral adiposity. Results: the case group had higher insulin resistance (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.012), and VAI (p = 0.004), and lower concentrations of HDL (p = 0.024) and HOMA-β (p = 0.010) compared to the control. Insulin resistance (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.75-5.17, p < 0.001) and higher VAI (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.17-3.13, p = 0.01) were associated with breast cancer, whereas the highest concentration of HDL reduces the chances of cancer by 53% (95% CI: 0.32-0.86, p = 0.026). In the multivariate analysis, only LAP and VAI were associated to breast cancer. Conclusions: visceral fat accumulation increases the risk of breast cancer.

Resumen Introducción: en las últimas décadas, los cambios de estilo de vida en las mujeres relacionados con la actividad física, la resistencia a la insulina y la distribución de la grasa corporal se han asociado con el aumento de cáncer de mama. Objetivo: evaluar si la resistencia a la insulina, el perfil lipídico y la adiposidad visceral están asociados con un mayor riesgo de padecer cáncer de mama. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en hospitales en el que participaron 116 mujeres recién diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama y 226 controles. Fueron evaluados índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de la cintura, colesterol total, lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL), lipoproteínas de baja intensidad (LDL), lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL), triglicéridos, hemoglobina glicosilada, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, el producto de acumulación de líquidos (LAP) y el índice de adiposidad visceral (VAI). La regresión logística se adaptó al índice de masa corporal y a la edad para cuantificar la asociación entre el riesgo de cáncer de mama y la resistencia a la insulina, dislipidemias y adiposidad visceral. Resultados: el grupo de casos presentó mayor resistencia a la insulina (p < 0,001), LAP (p = 0,012) y VAI (p = 0,004) y menores concentraciones de HDL (p = 0,024) y HOMA-β (p = 0,010) frente al grupo de control. La resistencia a la insulina (OR = 3,00, IC 95%: 1,75-5,17, p < 0,001) y mayor VAI (OR = 1,91, IC 95%: 1,17-3,13, p = 0,01) fueron asociadas al cáncer de mama, mientras que la mayor concentración de HDL reduce las probabilidades de cáncer al 53% (IC 95%: 0,32-0,86, p = 0,026). En el análisis multivariado, solo LAP y VAI se asociaron al cáncer de mama. Conclusión: la acumulación de grasa visceral aumenta el riesgo de cáncer de mama.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the possibility of not draining the axilla following axillary dissection. METHODS: The study included 240 breast cancer patients who underwent axillary dissection as part of conservative treatment. The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they were subjected to axillary drainage. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01267552. RESULTS: The median volume of fluid aspirated was significantly lower in the axillary drainage group (0.00 ml; 0.00 - 270.00) compared to the no drain group (522.50 ml; 130.00 - 1148.75). The median number of aspirations performed during conservative breast cancer treatment was significantly lower in the drainage group (0.5; 0.0 - 4.0) compared to the no drain group (5.0; 3.0 - 7.0). The total volume of serous fluid produced (the volume of fluid obtained from drainage added to the volume of aspirated fluid) was similar in the two groups. Regarding complications, two cases (2.4%) of wound dehiscence occurred in the drainage group compared to 13 cases (13.5%) in the group in which drainage was not performed, with this difference being statistically significant. Rates of infection, necrosis and hematoma were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Safety rates were similar in both study groups; hence, axillary dissection can feasibly be performed without drainage. However, more needle aspirations could be required, and there could be more cases of wound dehiscence in patients who do not undergo auxiliary drainage.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo investigou a influência da imagem corporal na autoestima de mulheres em tratamento de câncer de mama. Método Estudo caso-controle. Para o grupo caso, foram avaliadas 90 pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico e cirúrgico; e para o grupo controle, 77 mulheres sem câncer de mama. Para a coleta de dados, foi utilizada a escala de satisfação com a imagem corporal (ESIC) e o questionário da autoestima de Rosenberg. Para a análise estatística dos dados, foi utilizado o programa Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS, Chicago, Il, EUA), versão 16.0. Resultados As mulheres com câncer de mama apresentaram maior insatisfação com a imagem corporal relacionada à aparência do que aquelas sem câncer de mama. Aquelas em processo de quimioterapia e as submetidas a mastectomia apresentaram mais insatisfação com a sua imagem corporal relacionada à aparência do que as mulheres submetidas à cirurgia conservadora, que apresentaram maior nível de satisfação. As mulheres submetidas a reconstrução mamária não apresentaram prejuízo na percepção da sua imagem corporal relacionada à aparência. Assim, a percepção da imagem corporal relacionada à aparência pode ser influenciada pela insatisfação em casos de pacientes submetidas a mastectomia ou a quimioterapia. Conclusão As mulheres com câncer de mama apresentaram maior insatisfação com a sua imagem corporal do que aquelas sem câncer de mama, sobretudo após mastectomia ou durante a quimioterapia. A autoestima foi negativamente afetada em pacientes insatisfeitas com a sua imagem corporal.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the self-esteem of women with and without breast cancer regarding their body image. Methods A quantitative, case-control study in which 90 women with breast cancer were evaluated in the case group, and 77 women without breast cancer in the control group. For data collection, the body satisfaction scale (BSS), a scale adapted and validated in Brazil, and the Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire were used. For the statistical analysis of the data, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (IBM-SPSS, Chicago, Il, US), version 16.0 was used. Results Compared with the women without breast cancer, those with breast cancer were more dissatisfied with body image related to appearance. Women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were more dissatisfied with their appearance compared with those with cancer who were not undergoing this treatment. Mastectomy also accounted for more dissatisfaction concerning appearance among women who underwent the procedure compared with the women who were submitted to breast-conserving therapy. Conclusion Women with breast cancer were more dissatisfied with their body image compared with those without breast cancer, particularly following mastectomy or during chemotherapy. The self-esteem was found to be negatively affected in patients who were dissatisfied with their body image.

Resumo Introdução: O azul de metileno é mais facilmente encontrado para comercialização e a um preço menor que o azul patente. Parece ainda haver menor risco de anafilaxia. Objetivo: Comparar a taxa de detecção do linfonodo sentinela com o azul patente e com o azul de metileno. Método: Foram incluídas, de forma randomizada e prospectiva, 142 pacientes com diagnóstico de carcinoma mamário invasor, que consentiram em participar livremente do estudo. Foram injetados 2 mL de azul patente (grupo A) em 69 (49,3%) mulheres e de azul de metileno (grupo B) em 71 (50,70%), em localização periareolar ou peritumoral, seguido de 5 minutos de massagem. Trinta e cinco (25,0%) apresentavam estadiamento clínico 3 ou 4, e 55 (38,7%) apresentavam a axila clinicamente comprometida. Sessenta e nove (49,3%) fizeram quimioterapia neoadjuvante. Duas pacientes não tinham anotação do corante utilizado e foram excluídas. Resultados: Os dois grupos apresentaram características das pacientes e dos tumores semelhantes. Foram detectados linfonodos sentinela em 47 (68,1%) mulheres no grupo A e em 43 (60,6%) no grupo B (p=0,35). Havia linfonodos sentinela comprometidos em 22 (51,2%) casos no grupo A e em 21 (48,8%) casos no grupo B (p=0,62). O linfonodo sentinela foi o único gânglio comprometido em 12 (54,5%) casos no grupo A e em seis (33,3%) casos no grupo B (p=0,18). O tempo e o grau de dificuldade para identificação do linfonodo sentinela foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Não houve relato de complicações ou de alergia em nenhum dos grupos. Conclusão: A utilização do azul de metileno para a identificação do linfonodo sentinela em pacientes com câncer de mama apresenta resultados semelhantes aos do azul patente.

Summary Introduction: Methylene blue is more widely available and less expensive than patent blue, with an apparently lower risk of anaphylaxis. Objective: The two dyes were compared regarding detection of the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Method: A prospective, randomized trial involved 142 patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Sixty-nine (49.3%) assigned to patent blue (group A) and 71 (50.70%) to methylene blue (group B). Thirty-five patients (25.0%) were clinical stage III or IV; 55 (38.7%) had axillary lymph nodes affected; and 69 (49.3%) underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients were excluded because the dye type was not recorded. Results: Patients and tumor characteristics were similar in both groups. SLNs were identified in 47 women (68.1%) in group A and 43 (60.6%) in group B (p=0.35). SLNs were affected in 22 cases (51.2%) in group A and 21 (48.8%) in group B (p=0.62). The SLN was the only node affected in 12 cases (54.5%) in group A and six (33.3%) in group B (p=0.18). The time and degree of difficulty involved in identifying the SLN were similar in both groups. There were no complications or allergies. Conclusion: Methylene blue performed as well as patent blue in identifying the SLN in breast cancer patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a cobertura mamográfica em rastreamento oportunista realizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no Brasil, nas suas regiões e nas Unidades da Federação, no ano de 2013. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo ecológico, em que a estimativa da cobertura foi a proporção entre o número de exames realizados e o número de exames esperados na população feminina na faixa etária de 50 a 69 anos. O número de exames realizados refere-se aos dados da produção mamográfica da população alvo, disponíveis no Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do Departamento de Informática do SUS. Para o cálculo do número de exames esperados considerou-se 58,9% da população alvo, tendo em vista as recomendações do Instituto Nacional de Câncer. Resultados: A estimativa da cobertura mamográfica no rastreamento realizado pelo SUS no Brasil, em 2013, foi 24,8%. A prevalência de mamografias variou de 12,0% na Região Norte a 31,3% na Região Sul. Ao estratificar por Unidades da Federação, a menor cobertura foi no Pará (7,5%) e a maior cobertura foi em Santa Catarina (35,7%). Conclusão: A cobertura mamográfica do SUS no Brasil é baixa. Existe uma desigualdade significativa entre as Unidades da Federação, sendo maior nas regiões Sul e Sudeste e menor nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do país.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the coverage of opportunistic mammography screening performed via the Brazilian Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS, Unified Health Care System), at the state and regional level, in 2013. Materials and Methods: This was an ecological study in which coverage was estimated by determining the ratio between the number of mammograms performed and the expected number of mammograms among the population of females between 50 and 69 years of age. The number of mammograms performed in the target population was obtained from the Outpatient Database of the Information Technology Department of the SUS. To calculate the expected number of mammograms, we considered 58.9% of the target population, the proportion that would be expected on the basis of the recommendations of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Results: In 2013, the estimated national coverage of mammography screening via the SUS was 24.8%. The mammography rate ranged from 12.0% in the northern region to 31.3% in the southern region. When stratified by state, coverage was lowest in the state of Pará and highest in the state of Santa Catarina (7.5% and 35.7%, respectively). Conclusion: The coverage of mammography screening performed via the SUS is low. There is a significant disparity among the Brazilian states (including the Federal District of Brasília) and among regions, being higher in the south/southeast and lower in the north/northeast.