Cosmetic results and complications after breast conserving therapy for early breast cancer

The cosmetic and functional results of breast conserving therapy for early breast cancer were evaluated. These are important endpoints in the assessment of breast conserving therapy in addition to tumor control and survival. The factors suspected to influence cosmesis were also analyzed.

In 206 patients with stage I and II breast cancer treated by wide excision and axillary dissection followed by radiation therapy, the cosmetic results and complications were analyzed. The cosmetic outcome was assessed by a scoring method and breast retraction assessment (BRA). As complications, arm edema and restriction of shoulder movement and late skin reactions were analyzed.

Of the 206 patients 92% showed an excellent to good cosmetic score before radiation therapy. The score deteriorated, but gradually improved and stabilized after 1 year. Eighty-one percent of the patients had an excellent to good cosmetic score at 3 years. The BRA of the 206 patients was 1.8 cm on average before radiation therapy. It increased to 2.3 cm after termination of radiation therapy, and did not change thereafter. Tumor size over 2 cm (p = 0.005) and tumors in the inner quadrant (p = 0.003) were factors which negatively affected the cosmetic score at 3 years. Tumor size over 2 cm (p = 0.003), tumors in the upper quadrant (p = 0.005), or a nipple-tumor distance of more than 2 cm (p = 0.01) were also negative factors for the BRA at 3 years. Arm edema, restriction of shoulder movement, and late skin reaction were generally mild, and were observed in 12%, 0% and 34% of patients at 3 years, respectively.

The overall cosmetic results of breast conserving therapy are acceptable and the complication rate is low. Tumor characteristics, tumor size, location and nipple-tumor distance are factors that affect cosmesis.