Breast Cancer ¦ Breast Conserving Surgery Comes under Suspicion

Breast cancer options have improved over the years. In recent years partial mastectomy or lumpectomy have become popular options for patients with the goal of conserving as much of the breast tissue as possible following a breast cancer diagnosis. According to a recent Los Angeles Times article one in five women’s who have breast conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis instead of a mastectomy need a second operation within three months according to British researchers in a report released this week. The survival rates for the breast conserving surgery in combination with radiation compared with mastectomy are similar; but a second operation can bring about additional anxiety and angst for the patient not to mention additional cost.

Breast Cancer Treatments Have Risks and Benefits

In most women the need for another operation was most commonly for women with ductal carcinoma in situ, a type of cancer whose margins are very difficult to identify for removal of the tumor.  It is estimated that 45,000 women in England receive a breast cancer diagnosis each year, 58% of them have the breast conserving surgery which allows for cosmetic repair of the breast to be a much simpler process. In the US approximately 450,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually.  Rates in the United States could be higher than those reported in Britain. A study of four large United States hospitals reported in the February Journal of the American Medical Association that 23% of the patients who had undergone breast conserving surgery had a subsequent re-operation. Oncologists warn women of the possibility of a need to have a re-operation. The new study is considered to be one of the first that actually quantifies the rate of re-operation. It is important for patients to be well informed when making their breast surgery decisions following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast Reconstruction at Newport Plastic Surgery

Dr. Seify and his staff are committed to providing patients with realistic expectations concerning breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify is passionate about being involved in the decision process from the initial breast cancer diagnosis. This helps patients understand what the possibilities are concerning breast reconstruction and allows Dr. Seify to address any fears or concerns patients may have concerning the procedure. Many patients are unaware of the tremendous strides that have been made in breast reconstruction surgery. Some of the newest options include stem cell and fat transfer additions that can produce a much more natural result. Dr. Seify encourages patients to schedule a consultation to determine which breast reconstruction procedures are best for them following a breast cancer diagnosis.