Related Experiment Videos
Radical mastectomy in the aged female.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|August 1, 1975
Summary
For elderly women with primary breast cancer, simple mastectomy showed higher cancer-free rates than radical mastectomy after five years. However, radical mastectomy remains preferred pending further controlled data.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Breast cancer treatment in elderly patients (over 75) requires careful consideration of surgical options.
- Evaluating the long-term efficacy of different mastectomy types in this demographic is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the five-year outcomes of radical mastectomy versus simple mastectomy for primary breast cancer in women over 75.
- To assess cancer recurrence and survival rates based on surgical approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 142 female patients over 75 undergoing either radical or simple mastectomy for primary breast cancer.
- Follow-up for five years to determine cancer-free status and overall survival.
Main Results:
- Simple mastectomy group had a higher five-year cancer-free rate (35%) compared to radical mastectomy (19%).
- Overall five-year survival rates were similar: 50% for radical mastectomy and 47% for simple mastectomy.
- In the radical mastectomy group, patients without axillary node involvement had no recurrences and 70% five-year survival.
Conclusions:
- Simple mastectomy demonstrated superior cancer-free survival in this elderly cohort.
- Radical mastectomy is suggested as the preferred therapy for primary breast cancer in women over 75, pending more controlled data.
- No surgical mortality was observed in either group.