Oncological and aesthetic considerations of conservational surgery for multifocal/multicentric breast cancer

Conventional indications for mastectomy (MX) reflect circumstances where breast conserving therapy (BCT) could compromise oncological or cosmetic outcome. MX continues to be recommended for the majority of women with multiple lesions within the same breast. In this article, we review the oncological safety and aesthetic considerations of BCT in the context of multifocal (MF) or multicentric (MC) breast cancer. Literature review facilitated by Medline and PubMed databases. Published studies have reported divergent results regarding the oncological adequacy of BCT in the management of MF or MC disease. Earlier studies demonstrated high rates of local recurrence (LR) for BCT. More recent series have found BCT to be comparable to MX in terms of LR, distant failure, disease free and overall survival. Few studies have adequately evaluated cosmetic outcomes following BCT for MF or MC breast cancer. Contemporary oncoplastic techniques have extended the clinical utility of BCT and are of particular relevance to breast conservation in the context of MF or MC lesions. Appropriate case selection, preoperative oncological and aesthetic planning, satisfactory clearance of the surgical margins and adjuvant radiotherapy are of paramount importance. In the absence of level-1 guidance concerning the management of women with MF or MC disease, each case requires discussion with regard to tumor and patient related factors in the context of the multidisciplinary team. In selected patients with MF or MC disease, BCT is oncologically safe and cosmetically acceptable. Uniformity of practice and the establishment of a standard of care will require an evidence-base from prospective studies.