[Special aspects of breast cancer surgery in the elderly]

Due to the aging population of Western countries and the high-quality health care system, breast cancer in the elderly generally affects women of good or satisfactory performance status pursuing active lifestyle. Over the last decade, it became evident that, in contrast to previous dogmas, age alone cannot be the contraindication to standard oncological treatment, and adequate multidisciplinary therapy aiming full recovery rather than compromise treatment is required. A number of specific aspects needs to be taken into account regarding surgery, such as life expectancy, co-morbidities, individual mobility, mental and emotional status as well as family background, which may result in changes to the individual treatment plan. Objective evaluation of the above mentioned parameters necessitates a close co-operation of professions. Interestingly, the evidence-based protocols of modern oncology often originate from the generalizations of results from clinical trials representing younger population, due to the typical under representation of elderly patients in clinical studies. Clinical trials should be extended to elderly patients as well or should specifically aim this patient population. The authors of the present paper review the special oncological and reconstructive surgical aspects of breast cancer in the elderly, such as breast conserving surgery versus mastectomia, sentinel lymph node biopsy, axillary lymphadenectomy or the omission of surgery in axillary staging, and questions regarding implant based and autologous reconstructive techniques.