EVALUATION OF EARLY RESULSTS OF BREAST CONSERVING THERAPY IN TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a devastating illness both physically and emotionally for the patients and their families. Over the years, as understanding of the pathophysiology of breast cancer has improved and utilization of radiation therapy as an adjuvant mode of therapy was optimized, modifications to the original operations have evolved. Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has emerged as a new approach to allow excision of the tumor with adequate safety margin as will as axillary clearance without compromising the natural shape of the breast. Objective: Evaluation of early results of breast conserving therapy in treatment of breast cancer as regards cosmetic appearance, psychological state and early recurrence. Patient and methods: The study included 21 female patients with operable breast cancer stage I or II treated with BCS with reconstruction according to the tumor site then followed by post- operative irradiation, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. This study was carried out in the departments of General Surgery and Clinical oncology, Faculty of medicine, Zagazig University from February 2010 to August 2012. Results: Breast conserving therapy (BCT) is considered to be oncologically equivalent to modified radical mastectomy and as safe as it. BCT appears to offer advantages over mastectomy with regard to quality of life and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion: BCT is a safe and satisfactory surgical method for most of patients with early breast cancer. Key words: Breast, Breast cancer, Breast conserving therapy, Oncoplastic surgery