One-third Of Breast Cancer Patients Unhappy With Cosmetic Outcome Of Lumpectomy

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 10 Oct 2006 - 13:00 PDT

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Women with breast cancer often undergo a lumpectomy and radiation to save their breasts and avoid the need for additional reconstructive surgery. However, approximately one-third of all patients are unhappy with how their breasts look after undergoing breast conservation therapy and many would consider reconstruction, according to a study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2006 conference in San Francisco.

"I have patients walking into my office saying lumpectomy was supposed to save their breast but what's left doesn't look like a breast to them," said Howard Wang, ASPS Member Surgeon and co-author of the study. "Conservation is believed to be an acceptable way of saving a woman's breast. But many of these women are coming to plastic surgeons for help, saying it isn't so."

In the study, 28 percent of the breast cancer patients stated they were dissatisfied with the cosmetic result of their lumpectomy. Of those patients, 46 percent stated their physical appearance was worse or much worse after the surgery and were considering reconstruction. Only nine percent of patients who were satisfied with the outcome, however, would consider reconstruction if it were offered.

Approximately 26 percent of patients were unhappy with their physical appearance after the lumpectomy but had an improved sense of body image. Plastic surgeons believe this disparity occurred because many patients felt relieved to be free of the cancer, leading them to feel better about their bodies even though they were not happy with how their breasts looked.

According to the American Cancer Society, almost 213,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Almost 58,000 women underwent breast reconstruction surgery in 2005, according to ASPS.

"Patients should know their options and understand that just because they undergo a lumpectomy to save their breast does not mean they will be happy with the cosmetic outcome," said Dr. Wang. "Oncologists need to work with patients to help them understand the potential physical outcomes and refer them to a board-certified plastic surgeon to consider all of their choices."

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For referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org/ where you can also learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Note: The study "Aesthetic Outcomes in Breast Conservation Therapy" was being presented Sunday, Oct. 8 at the Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco.

Contact: LaSandra Cooper
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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