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A prospective comparative study of radiotherapy effect upon scar quality
Seung Jin Moon1, Il Hwan Byun1, Jee Suk Chang2
1Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS
|December 28, 2020
Summary
Radiation therapy positively impacts postoperative breast cancer scars, leading to better maturation and improved appearance. Irradiated scars showed significantly lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores compared to non-irradiated scars.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- The impact of radiation therapy on uncomplicated postoperative scars remains unclear.
- This study investigates scar changes in breast cancer patients following oncoplastic surgery and radiation therapy (RT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare irradiated versus non-irradiated scars in patients with unilateral breast cancer.
- To identify how radiation therapy influences postoperative scar characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 20 breast scars in 10 patients post-unilateral breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic reduction, and RT.
- Scars assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) by blinded observers and a 3D scar analysis camera.
- Paired t-tests and correlation analyses were performed to compare scar scores and identify contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Irradiated scars had significantly lower VSS scores (1.40) than non-irradiated scars (4.05).
- A negative correlation was observed between the time interval post-RT and VSS differences (Spearman's rho = -0.637, p=0.048).
- Irradiated scars exhibited higher hemoglobin and melanin levels compared to non-irradiated scars.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative scars treated with radiation demonstrated superior objective and subjective assessment outcomes.
- Radiation therapy appears to exert a beneficial effect on overall scar maturation.
- Findings suggest radiation may improve scar quality after oncoplastic breast surgery.
