Our Summary

Breast cancer is a common type of cancer in women. In the past, treatment often involved removing the entire breast or a large portion of it, a procedure called a mastectomy. However, with advances in medical technology, it’s now common to remove just the cancerous part of the breast, a less drastic procedure known as breast-conserving surgery. However, this procedure can sometimes result in poor cosmetic outcomes, particularly when a significant portion of the breast is removed or for women with larger breasts.

To address this, a new type of surgery called oncoplastic breast surgery was developed. This surgery combines cancer removal with immediate breast reconstruction to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result. The surgery can involve either reshaping the remaining breast tissue or using tissue from another part of the body to replace the removed breast tissue.

However, this type of surgery is more complex and takes more time than traditional breast-conserving surgery. This paper reviews the various techniques and indications for oncoplastic breast surgery, as well as its complication rate, to help doctors and patients make informed decisions about breast reconstruction after cancer surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is oncoplastic breast surgery and how is it different from traditional breast-conserving surgery?
  2. What are the potential complications of oncoplastic breast surgery?
  3. How does oncoplastic breast surgery affect the cosmetic outcome after breast cancer surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumpectomy is to discuss the option of oncoplastic breast surgery with their surgeon. This type of surgery can help improve the cosmetic outcome of the procedure and may be a good option for women who are concerned about the appearance of their breast after cancer surgery. It’s important for patients to have open and honest discussions with their healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lumpectomy include those with early-stage breast cancer, small tumors that can be easily removed with clear margins, and those who wish to preserve as much of their breast tissue as possible. Lumpectomy may also be recommended for patients who are not suitable candidates for mastectomy due to other medical conditions or preferences.

In addition, patients who undergo lumpectomy may also be recommended for oncoplastic breast surgery if they have larger tumors or larger breasts that may result in poor cosmetic outcomes with traditional breast-conserving surgery. Oncoplastic breast surgery can help achieve better aesthetic results while still effectively removing the cancerous tissue.

Overall, the decision to undergo lumpectomy or mastectomy, as well as the need for oncoplastic breast surgery, is highly individualized and should be made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers. Factors such as tumor size, location, stage, patient’s overall health, and personal preferences should all be taken into consideration when determining the most appropriate surgical approach for each patient.

Timeline

Before lumpectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy to confirm the presence of breast cancer.
  2. Patient meets with their healthcare team to discuss treatment options, which may include lumpectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and preparations.
  4. Patient receives anesthesia and the surgeon removes the cancerous tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue.

After lumpectomy:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience pain and discomfort.
  2. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few hours or overnight for monitoring.
  3. Patient is advised on post-operative care, including wound care and pain management.
  4. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and limited arm movement in the days following surgery.
  5. Patient may need to wear a compression garment or special bra to support the breast and promote healing.
  6. Patient may start radiation therapy or other adjuvant treatments to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
  7. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor recovery and discuss further treatment options.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of oncoplastic breast surgery compared to traditional lumpectomy?
  2. Are there any risks or complications associated with oncoplastic breast surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery time for oncoplastic breast surgery compared to traditional lumpectomy?
  4. Will I need additional surgeries or procedures after oncoplastic breast surgery?
  5. How will oncoplastic breast surgery affect the appearance of my breast?
  6. Will I need radiation therapy after oncoplastic breast surgery?
  7. What are the chances of the cancer returning after oncoplastic breast surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options to consider?
  9. How experienced are you in performing oncoplastic breast surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone oncoplastic breast surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bertozzi N, Pesce M, Santi PL, Raposio E. Journal: Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Jun;21(11):2572-2585. PMID: 28678328