The surgical management of breast cancer

Abstract

The management of breast cancer is highly controversial. Various operations have been performed in different hospitals. This controversy may arise from an incomplete knowledge of the biology of breast cancer. At present, surgeons are highly recommended to perform an adequate surgery which gives the ultimate in local control, does not compromise the chance of cure and gives the best cosmetic and aesthetic results. Recently, the choice of conservative surgery with aggressive radiation therapy versus more adequate surgery, total mastectomy and axillary dissection, is a major controversial problem for primary treatment of operable breast cancer. However, to avoid local recurrence with attendant worry for the patient, conservative surgery should only be indicated for a select group of patients with early breast cancer. At present, there is little doubt that mastectomy and regional lymph node dissection are the most beneficial methods of treatment in all other patients. So, adequate surgery and breast reconstruction are more preferably recommended for ensuring local control and for providing a better psychological impact.