Original Article

The Role of Breast Conserving Procedures in Breast Cancer Surgery

10.5152/eamr.2018.00378

  • Semra Günay

Received Date: 24.05.2018 Accepted Date: 20.07.2018 Eur Arc Med Res 2018;34(4):262-266

Objective:

Breast cancer treatment, especially surgery, has significantly changed in the last 30-40 years. In this study, we aimed to discuss all the possible options ranging from radical mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery (BCS), and to utilize the conclusion in our daily practice.

Methods:

The study was retrospectively performed, and hospital records were used for quantitative data. The cases were classified into three groups. The cases having breast surgery in 1997 were included in Group A; in 2007, Group B; and in 2017, Group C. Surgical methods, BCS and mastectomy, in these cases were compared with rates according to groups and cancer stage.

Results:

There were 515 cases in Group A, 519 in Group B, and 538 in Group C; and BCS was performed in 141, 238, and 372 cases, respectively (30%, 42%, 60.2%). Between Group A and C, a significant increase in the number of BCSs was observed. In the groups A, B, and C, BCS ratios according to stage (S) were as follows: S I: 57%, 73%, and 86%; S II: 49%, 75%, and 82%; and S III: 14%, 20%, and 48%. Subgroup analysis showed no BCS in S IV tumors in groups A and B. In Group, 18 patients (25%) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were performed with BCS.

Conclusion:

Breast-conserving therapy is the standard approach in early-stage breast cancer. Compared to 20 years ago, the total number of patients undergoing BCS has increased >100%. Usually when the tumor is diagnosed, we make the treatment plan for breast cancer in the multidisciplinary tumor board. This increases the feasibility of BCS in all stages.

Keywords: Breast cancer, breast-conserving surgery, breast-conserving treatment, mastectomy