Our Summary

This research paper studies a measure called “Textbook oncologic outcome” (TOO) which is used to determine the success of cancer surgeries. It includes five factors: a successful removal of the tumor, an adequate check of lymph nodes, no extended hospital stay, no readmission within 30 days, and no death within 30 days. The researchers wanted to see if achieving TOO would affect the survival rate of patients with a specific type of breast cancer who had undergone a particular type of surgery (Modified Radical Mastectomy).

To do this, they looked at data from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2017, focusing on patients with this type of breast cancer who had this surgery. They found that out of 75,063 patients, about 41% achieved the ideal outcome.

The patients who achieved TOO were usually younger, more likely to be white, had private insurance, and had no other illnesses. They were also more likely to be treated in community cancer programs that handled a high number of cases each year.

The researchers found that patients who achieved TOO generally lived longer (165.6 months compared to 142.2 months) and had a lower risk of death. Therefore, they suggest that more focus should be placed on achieving TOO to improve the results of cancer surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is the “Textbook Oncologic Outcome” (TOO) in relation to cancer surgeries?
  2. How does achieving the “Textbook Oncologic Outcome” (TOO) affect the survival rate of patients after undergoing a Modified Radical Mastectomy?
  3. What are the characteristics of patients who are more likely to achieve the “Textbook Oncologic Outcome” (TOO)?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to make sure to follow up with regular screenings and exams to monitor for any signs of recurrence. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support overall health and well-being during the recovery process. Additionally, seeking support from a healthcare team, support groups, or mental health professionals can help manage any emotional or psychological challenges that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy are those with larger tumors, tumors that are close to the chest wall or skin, multiple tumors in the same breast, tumors that are growing into the chest wall or skin, or tumors that have spread to the chest wall or skin. Additionally, radical mastectomy may be recommended for patients with inflammatory breast cancer or those with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, such as a BRCA gene mutation.

Timeline

Before undergoing a radical mastectomy, a patient typically goes through a series of steps such as receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, discussing treatment options with their healthcare team, undergoing preoperative tests and evaluations, and preparing for surgery. After the surgery, the patient may experience pain, discomfort, and limited arm movement. They will also need to follow a recovery plan that may include physical therapy, wound care, and emotional support. Over time, the patient will gradually heal and adjust to life after surgery, potentially undergoing additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is important for the patient to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about radical mastectomy include:

  1. What is the success rate of achieving the “Textbook oncologic outcome” (TOO) for patients undergoing radical mastectomy?
  2. What factors contribute to achieving TOO in patients undergoing radical mastectomy?
  3. How does achieving TOO impact the survival rate of patients with this specific type of breast cancer?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with radical mastectomy?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to radical mastectomy that should be considered?
  6. What is the recovery process like after undergoing radical mastectomy?
  7. How often will follow-up appointments be necessary after the surgery?
  8. What lifestyle changes or precautions should be taken after undergoing radical mastectomy?
  9. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients undergoing radical mastectomy?
  10. What are the long-term effects of radical mastectomy on overall health and well-being?

Reference

Authors: Aitken GL, Correa G, Samuels S, Gannon CJ, Llaguna OH. Journal: J Surg Res. 2022 Sep;277:17-26. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.03.018. Epub 2022 Apr 19. PMID: 35453053