Psychological outcome of lumpectomy versus mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer

Abstract

Forty-six patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy were compared 14 months after surgery with 21 patients who underwent lumpectomy and radiation; all patients had stage I or II breast cancer. Lumpectomy patients reported less of a loss of feelings of attractiveness and femininity, were less self-conscious about their appearance, received more emotional support from friends, and were more open about their surgery and sexual feelings after surgery. Unlike the mastectomy patients, they saw their spouses' sexuality as enhanced after surgery. Lumpectomy patients were not less anxious or less depressed but showed better overall adaptation to their surgery and less functional change.