Viewpoints on oncoplastic surgery in invasive breast cancer.

Abstract

Breast conserving therapy is the best method to the breast cancer treatment when concerning the psychological sequelae to the patient. Cosmetic results after conservative surgery are not always acceptable: about 20% of patients need a revision operation and correcting the residual defect of the breast or asymmetry of the breasts afterwards. Oncoplastic surgery means that the methods familiar to plastic surgeon are used to increase the number of patients treated with conservative surgery without compromising the oncologic results. Even wider margins than in normal breast conservation can be gained, if local glandular flaps, musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flaps or microvascular free TRAM flaps are used to immediately preserve the shape and symmetry of the breasts. With plastic surgery it is possible to reshape the breast, replace the nipple and gain breast symmetry. As we know every tenth woman will have a breast cancer during her lifetime, and 80% of breast cancer women will survive. It is important to operate breast cancer immediately to save costs and help a patient feel that her breasts are still a part of her own body.