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.

Determinants of mastectomy in breast conservation therapy candidates.

Al-Refaie W, Kuerer HM, Khuwaja A, Perry A, Hunt KK, Feig B, Ames F, Ross M, Singletary SE, Meric-Bernstam F, Babiera GV

Department of Surgical Oncology, Unit 444, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.

BACKGROUND: Although underused, breast conservation therapy (BCT) is an accepted method for treatment of noninvasive and early breast cancer. The purpose of this analysis was to identify factors associated with receiving mastectomy when eligible for BCT. METHODS: From a recent experience, 397 patients at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center presented with clinical stage 0, I, or II breast cancer. Demographics and tumor characteristics of patients who underwent BCT versus mastectomy were compared. RESULTS: Of 293 BCT candidates, 203 patients (69%) underwent BCT and 90 patients (31%) received a mastectomy. Of those 90 patients, 66 patients (73%) had documented concerns about receiving BCT. Multivariate analyses showed that widow status was a factor associated with receiving mastectomy at presentation (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BCT candidates with early stage breast cancer undergo BCT. In our study, widow status was a predictive factor of mastectomy in BCT candidates.

Published 16 September 2005 in Am J Surg, 190(4): 602-5.
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