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Immediate autogenous breast reconstruction in clinically advanced disease
P M Godfrey1, N V Godfrey, M C Romita
1St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, N.Y., USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Primary autogenous breast reconstruction is a viable option for advanced breast cancer patients. This technique offers good local-regional control and does not delay essential adjuvant treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Breast reconstruction is increasingly common, even for advanced breast cancer.
- Autologous tissue reconstruction offers a reconstructive option for these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the benefits and challenges of primary autologous breast reconstruction in patients with advanced breast cancer (clinical stage IIb or higher).
Main Methods:
- A review of 21 patients who underwent immediate autologous tissue breast reconstruction.
- Patients had clinical stage IIb, III, or IV breast cancer.
- Adjuvant therapies (chemotherapy, radiation) were administered post-reconstruction.
Main Results:
- No delays in adjuvant treatment delivery were observed.
- Reconstructed breasts tolerated adjuvant therapies well.
- Four patients required biopsy for postoperative masses, none were recurrences.
- One cutaneous and two axillary recurrences were detected and treated promptly.
- Four patients with advanced disease (stage III/IV) died from metastases, but with good local-regional control.
Conclusions:
- Primary autogenous breast reconstruction can be safely offered to motivated patients with advanced breast cancer.
- The procedure allows for timely adjuvant treatment and maintains good local-regional disease control.