Reduction Mammaplasty as a Treatment Option for Early Breast Cancer

Background: Although reduction mammaplasty is a well-known technique for cosmetic purposes, there are few previous reports regarding its application and clinical outcome following conservative breast surgery reconstruction. Mammaplasty combined with breast conservation surgery is an effective treatment of early breast cancer, and leads to better overall results and superior quality of life in patients with previous macromastia or ptosis. Our aim is to analyze both the aesthetic and oncologic outcome of reduction mammaplasty combined with conservative breast surgery reconstruction. Patient and Methods: 25 patients with stage 1 or 2 breast cancer, with a tumor size not more than 3 cmin its greatest dimension, were operated upon by quadrantectomy, and bilateral reduction mammaplasty. Oncologic data on tumor size, location, and axillary lymph node, were assessed, and accordingly the design of the pedicle was chosen. Reconstructed breast and opposite breast reduction were evaluated. Results: Of the total 50 breast reductions techniques, 35 (70 percent) were superomedial pedicle, 4 (8 percent) were superior, 3 (6 percent) were superolateral, and 8 (16 percent) were inferior. The cosmetic result was considered to be good or very good in 18 cases, satisfactory in 6 cases, and poor in 1 case. There were no other complications as regard nipple areola ischemia, heamatoma, seroma, wound problems, fat necrosis, or recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusion: By adding breast reduction and other plastic surgery techniques to breast conservation, patients have the opportunity for an improved cosmetic outcome and overall improved quality of life. Although the combined approach between the oncologic surgeon and the plastic surgeon requires more preoperative planning and intraoperative care, the concept can reduce deformities, favor the oncologic treatment, and optimize the aesthetic outcome in most early-stage cancer patients.