Mastectomy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Mastectomy, including details on breast cancer, prosthesis, recovery, surgery, complications.

Radiotherapy for breast cancer in patients undergoing breast reconstruction or augmentation.

Senkus-Konefka E, Wełnicka-Jaśkiewicz M, Jaśkiewicz J, Jassem J

Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland. elsenkus@amg.gda.pl

Due to increasing indications for postmastectomy radiotherapy and a growing demand for breast reconstruction or augmentation, increasing numbers of patients are currently being exposed to both these treatments. In view of the wide range of available techniques for breast reconstruction, either prosthetic or autologous, and their various sequencing in relation to radiotherapy, physicians can be faced with numerous clinical situations requiring comprehensive knowledge of the topic. This review discusses physical, radiobiological and clinical aspects of combining breast reconstruction and radiotherapy. The available data indicate the feasibility of such combinations, although at the expense of increased risk of complications and less satisfactory cosmesis. Of the two methods of breast reconstruction: using autologous tissue or prosthesis, the former seems to provide better cosmesis and a lower risk of complications in conjunction with radiotherapy. To minimize the risk of unfavourable outcome, the techniques and timing of both breast reconstruction and radiotherapy should be given meticulous attention.

Published 15 November 2004 in Cancer Treat Rev, 30(8): 671-82.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Mastectomy Research Today. All Rights Reserved.