Breast Cancer Surgery That Reduces Risk And Improves Cosmetic Appearance - New Research

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 03 Oct 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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A novel endoscopic-assisted technique for skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction can successfully treat early breast cancer patients while offering favorable aesthetic results.

Researchers of a study in ANZ Journal of Surgery published by Wiley-Blackwell successfully developed a method to remove the entire mammary gland including early-stage breast cancer without injuring the skin of the breast.

"Although breast-conserving surgeries (BCS) are the most desirable choice for patients with early breast cancer, many have to abandon BCS due to tumors accompanied by extended intraductual components or multiple tumors. With this new technique, selected patients can be treated for breast cancer without breast deformity", says author Dr. Ken-ichi Ito, Division of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Japan.

Skin sparing mastectomy is used for patients with early breast cancer who are treated with total mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. With advances in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, patients can undergo this procedure with minimal skin incision - thereby improving the reconstructive and rehabilitative outcome.

"Mastectomy often induces adverse psychological events such as anxiety and depression over the disfigurement of their bodies. The current approach to breast surgery aims to minimize further tissue loss while obtaining maximal oncological safety", says Dr. Ito.

The study titled "Endoscopic-assisted skin sparing mastectomy combined with sentinel node biopsy" showed favorable prognoses of patients treated with this technique, indicating that this procedure could be considered as an alternative treatment option for patients who are not candidates for BCS due to presence of intraductual component or multiple tumors.

This study is published in the October 2008 issue of ANZ Journal of Surgery (Vol. 78, Issue 10, 2008).

About ANZ Journal of Surgery

ANZ Journal of Surgery, established more than 70 years, is the leading surgical journal published in Australia, New Zealand and the South-East Asian region. The Journal is dedicated to the promotion of outstanding surgical practice and research of contemporary and international interest. ANZ Journal of Surgery publishes high-quality papers related to clinical practice and/or research in all fields of surgery and its related disciplines. A program of continuing education for surgeons at all levels is also provided.

About Wiley

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Since 1901, Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 350 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry and Peace.

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