Abstract
Continuing advances in breast reconstruction have provided surgeons with a multitude of reconstructive options. Concerns remain, however, about the effects of the various reconstructive methods on ultimate oncologic outcome. This study compares incidence, detection, and management of recurrent breast cancer in a large series of patients treated with mastectomy alone or with mastectomy and various forms of reconstruction. A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent mastectomy and/or immediate reconstruction for breast cancer at our institution between January 1999 and December 2006. The 921 patients were divided into 2 groups: mastectomy and reconstruction (n = 494) and mastectomy alone (n = 427). All modern reconstructive methods were included. Patients were followed for a mean of 4.5 years. The total incidence of recurrence-locoregional and/or distant-was 5.9% in patients who had mastectomy with reconstruction and 11.5% in patients who had mastectomy alone (P < 0.0023). The incidence of locoregional recurrence only was 2.2% in patients who had mastectomy with reconstruction and 4.0% in patients who had mastectomy alone (P = 0.1220). Of the 11 reconstructed patients with a locoregional recurrence, all recurrences were detected by self or clinical examination. Median time to detection was the same in both groups: 1.6 years (P = 0.5471). Reconstruction with a variety of methods does not adversely affect the incidence or time to detection of recurrent breast cancer. Further, our data point to an important role for physical examination in tumor surveillance after mastectomy and reconstruction.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.