Safety and Outcomes of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Abstract

Traditional breast-conserving surgery combined with whole breast radiation results in equivalent overall survival as total mastectomy, with the benefit of being less invasive with fewer surgical complications and faster recovery. However, the surgical defect in the breast parenchyma, when combined with whole breast radiation, can result in cosmetic deformities that many patients find distressing. Partial mastectomy performed using plastic/reconstructive surgical techniques with the goal of optimizing both oncologic and esthetic outcomes is referred to as oncoplastic (breast) surgery. Herein, the surgical complications, oncologic, esthetic, and quality of life outcomes of oncoplastic surgery are reviewed. Overall, the oncologic and surgical outcomes of oncoplastic surgery are similar to traditional partial mastectomy. The esthetic outcomes of oncoplastic surgery are, by design, objectively superior to that which can be achieved with standard partial mastectomy and translate into improved psychosocial quality of life for many women. Oncoplastic surgery provides patients with the benefit of improved cosmesis over traditional lumpectomy without compromising cancer treatment outcomes.