Our Summary

The research paper is about a study conducted on a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer known as breast sarcomas. The researchers looked at data from 34 patients who were treated for this type of cancer between 2003 and 2015. The average age of these patients was about 52 years and they were tracked for an average of 58 months. The most common type of this cancer was malignant phyllodes, which was found in over 60% of the patients.

Only two of these patients had their cancer return. Twelve of the patients, or about 35%, had reconstructive surgery after their cancer treatment. Four of these had reconstruction with implants, seven had reconstruction using their own tissue, and one patient had a combination of both. There were some major complications, including one patient losing a flap of tissue and another having to have an implant removed.

The researchers conclude that their study shows a growing trend of offering reconstructive surgery to patients with this rare type of breast cancer.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of patients with primary breast sarcoma underwent breast reconstruction in the study?
  2. What were the most common types of breast reconstruction performed on patients in this study?
  3. What complications arose from breast reconstruction procedures in this study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about breast reconstruction after breast sarcoma surgery is to discuss the various reconstruction options available, such as implant-based reconstruction or autologous-based reconstruction, and to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of each option. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to determine the best reconstruction option for your individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast reconstruction include those who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer, those who have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and choose to undergo prophylactic mastectomy, and those who have experienced trauma or deformity to the breast. In the case of breast sarcomas, patients who undergo extensive resections may also be recommended for breast reconstruction to restore the appearance and symmetry of the breast. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before breast reconstruction:

  • Patient is diagnosed with primary breast sarcoma
  • Treatment plan is discussed with healthcare team
  • Options for reconstruction are presented to the patient
  • Patient undergoes surgical resection of the tumor
  • Patient may undergo adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation

After breast reconstruction:

  • Patient undergoes reconstructive surgery
  • Patient may experience post-operative pain and discomfort
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and assess for complications
  • Patient may undergo additional treatments or procedures to address any complications
  • Patient continues regular follow-up visits to monitor for recurrence or new developments in the reconstructed breast area.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different options for breast reconstruction available to me?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with breast reconstruction surgery?
  3. How will breast reconstruction affect my future breast cancer screenings or surveillance?
  4. How soon after my mastectomy can I undergo breast reconstruction?
  5. Will I need additional surgeries or procedures after the initial breast reconstruction surgery?
  6. How will breast reconstruction impact my recovery time and overall quality of life?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my individual case that may affect the success of breast reconstruction?
  8. What are the long-term outcomes and potential benefits of breast reconstruction for breast sarcoma patients?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or options for breast reconstruction that I should consider?
  10. Can you provide me with information or resources to help me make an informed decision about breast reconstruction?

Reference

Authors: Carl HM, Calotta NA, Siotos C, Bos TJ, Foster DG III,, Manahan MA, Cooney CM, Sacks JM, Rosson GD. Journal: Breast J. 2019 Jul;25(4):702-705. doi: 10.1111/tbj.13243. Epub 2019 Apr 25. PMID: 31025484