Conservative breast surgery in Our Setup

Abstract

Background: Breast conservative surgery (BCS) has been time tested in terms of outcome for
early stage carcinoma breast. The disease free period and 5 year survival is almost similar to that
of modified radical mastectomy. The benefits remains in terms of breast preservation and
avoiding the psychological trauma of mastectomy in females especially the younger age group.
This study focuses on 50 patients undergoing breast conservative surgery. Hence discussing the
outcome in terms of local recurrence and need for adjuvant therapy.
Materials and Method:Atotal of 50 female patients were operated on between July 2002 and
August 2010. Following surgery patients underwent adjuvant therapy with chest wall radiation
and hormonal therapy depending upon receptor status. Patients were followed up on 1, 6, 12
months and later on yearly basis.
Results: Mean age of the patients was 45.04 yrs and mean diameter of the tumor was 3.21cm
(SD=+/- 0.923). Preoperative biopsy was +ve in 92% and ve in 8% patients. Mammograms of all
the patients showed malignant changes. Five patients required neoadjuvant chemotherapy for
downsizing the tumor from stage 3 to stage 2. Receptor status was +ve in 14 and ve in 36 patients.
Local recurrence was present in 10 %( 5) patients at follow up. Mean follow up was 48.5 months.
Conclusion: BCS is an excellent tool for early stage breast carcinoma when combined with
axillary clearance and whole breast irradiation. The benefits are same in terms of outcome and
survival as those of formal mastectomies, with less disfigurement. There is however need for
patient education as well as strict adherence to multidisciplinary approach in treatment of this
overwhelming problem. .