[Changing patterns in surgery of breast cancer]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Cancer Research

Context:

• The optimal surgical approach for breast cancer treatment has historically been debated.
• Halsted radical mastectomy was the standard at the cancer institute hospital.
• A shift towards breast-conserving surgeries has been observed.

Purpose:

• To analyze the historical trends in surgical procedures for breast cancer treatment at the cancer institute hospital.
• To compare the utilization of different mastectomy techniques over a defined period.

Summary:

• The study reviewed surgical data from 1975 to 1890, encompassing radical mastectomy (755 cases), Patey's operation (723 cases), Auchincloss operation (373 cases), and extended mastectomy (58 cases).
• There was a notable trend towards modified radical mastectomy, which preserves pectoral muscles, for early breast cancer.
• Extended mastectomy was increasingly abandoned during this period.

Impact:

• Highlights a significant evolution in breast cancer surgical management towards less invasive techniques.
• Provides historical data on the declining use of extended mastectomy and the rise of modified radical mastectomy.
• Informs ongoing discussions about the ideal surgical procedures for breast cancer, particularly for early-stage disease.