Our Summary

This study looks at how often oncoplastic breast surgery is used in the United States. Oncoplastic surgery is a type of breast surgery that aims to remove cancer and improve the appearance of the breast at the same time. Despite its benefits, it’s not used very often in the US.

The researchers analyzed data from the Optum Clinformatics database between 2010 and 2017. They looked at women who hadn’t had breast surgery in the year before. They divided these women into three groups: those who had a lumpectomy (removal of part of the breast), those who had a lumpectomy and tissue transfer (moving tissue from one part of the body to the breast), and those who had a lumpectomy with a mammaplasty and/or mastopexy (breast reshaping and/or lift).

They found that between 2011 and 2016, the number of women who had a lumpectomy decreased while the number of women who had the other two types of surgery increased. However, the overall use of oncoplastic techniques was still low and varied by region. The researchers concluded that more use of oncoplastic techniques is needed to improve the look of the breast and patient satisfaction after breast-conserving surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is oncoplastic breast surgery?
  2. How has the use of oncoplastic techniques in breast surgery changed between 2011 and 2016 in the US?
  3. Why do the researchers believe that more use of oncoplastic techniques is needed in breast-conserving surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumpectomy is to ask about oncoplastic breast surgery options. This type of surgery aims to remove cancer and improve the appearance of the breast at the same time. It may be worth discussing with your doctor to see if it is a suitable option for you.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lumpectomy include those with early-stage breast cancer, small tumors, and who have enough healthy breast tissue to preserve the shape and appearance of the breast. Lumpectomy is often recommended for patients who want to avoid or minimize breast deformity and maintain the natural appearance of their breast. It is also recommended for patients who are not good candidates for mastectomy or who prefer breast-conserving surgery.

Timeline

Before lumpectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, to determine the extent of the cancer.
  3. Patient and healthcare provider decide on lumpectomy as the treatment option.
  4. Patient may undergo additional tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.

After lumpectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the lumpectomy procedure, which involves removing the cancerous tissue from the breast.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site.
  3. Patient may require follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor healing and discuss further treatment options, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
  4. Patient may experience changes in the appearance of the breast, such as scarring or asymmetry.
  5. Patient may consider oncoplastic techniques, such as tissue transfer or breast reshaping, to improve the cosmetic outcome of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential benefits of oncoplastic breast surgery compared to traditional lumpectomy?

  2. Are there any risks or complications associated with oncoplastic breast surgery that I should be aware of?

  3. How experienced are you in performing oncoplastic breast surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

  4. Will I need additional procedures or follow-up surgeries after undergoing oncoplastic breast surgery?

  5. How will oncoplastic breast surgery impact the appearance of my breast, and what can I expect in terms of scarring and overall aesthetics?

  6. How long is the recovery period after oncoplastic breast surgery, and what kind of post-operative care will I need?

  7. Will my insurance cover the cost of oncoplastic breast surgery, or will I be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses?

  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides oncoplastic breast surgery?

  9. How will oncoplastic breast surgery affect my risk of cancer recurrence or future breast health?

  10. Can you provide me with any additional information or resources about oncoplastic breast surgery to help me make an informed decision?

Reference

Authors: Kimball CC, Nichols CI, Vose JG, Peled AW. Journal: Ann Surg Oncol. 2018 Dec;25(13):3867-3873. doi: 10.1245/s10434-018-6760-7. Epub 2018 Sep 21. PMID: 30242775