Volumetric breast density is essential for predicting cosmetic outcome at the late stage after breast-conserving surgery

Abstract Background The critical issue related to breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is that cosmetic outcomes deteriorate with long-term follow-up. There is little research for breast density as a predictor of cosmetic outcomes at the late stage after BCT. To improve the long-term quality of life after BCT of breast cancer patients, the correlation of volumetric breast density (VBD) and cosmetic outcome at the late stage after BCT was evaluated. Study design Breast volume, fibroglandular tissue volume, adipose tissue volume, and VBD were calculated on mammography using image analysis software (Volpara ® ) in 151 patients with BCT. Furthermore, the correlation of breast density and the change of breast volume over time was analyzed on mammography in 99 patients who were followed-up long-term after BCT. Results On multivariate analysis, VBD was a predictor of cosmetic outcome after BCT with percent breast volume excised (PBVE). Decreased adipose tissue volume and increased fibrosis were more common in patients with VBD  Conclusions While PBVE was involved in cosmetic outcome at the early stage after BCT, VBD was associated with cosmetic outcome at the late stage after BCT. Thus, a combination of VBD and PBVE could predict cosmetic outcome after BCT and contribute to the selection for the appropriate BCT.