Reduction mammoplasty in conservative breast surgery in the early stage of breast cancer

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the application and clinical outcomes (oncological and cosmetic) following oncoplastic conservative surgery using bilateral reduction mammoplasty in conjunction with breast conservation therapy for esthetic purposes. Background Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Until recently, breast surgery could provide only two options for early-stage breast cancer: either modified radical mastectomy or segmental excision, followed by radiation, but the latter causes breast deformities. Reduction mammoplasty is used as a conservative breast surgery with excision of a large volume of tissue without compromising the cosmetic outcome. Patients and methods We studied 17 patients with breast cancer, aged 30-65 years (mean 48.4 years). Patients had been operated on by the reduction mammoplasty technique at Menoufia University Hospital in 2012 and later. Patients were followed up at regular intervals 2 years or more after the operation had been carried out. Results Reduction mammoplasty is a good technique for conservative breast cancer surgery at its early stage, with fewer complications and better cosmetic results. All specimens showed free resection margins with an average size of 2.4 cm. No recurrence was detected. Postoperative complications were encountered in seven patients in the form of wound infection, seroma, partial skin slough, and asymmetry. Long-term follow-up results are awaited to support the more widespread use of this surgical technique in the definitive treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Conclusion Oncoplastic breast surgery is now being used widely as a better substitute for the management of early-stage primary breast cancer with proved safety and efficacy.