A Comparison of Breast-Conserving Surgery and Subcutaneous Mastectomy with Implant Reconstruction in Terms of Postoperative Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]The aim of this study was to compare the effects of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and subcutaneous mastectomy with implant reconstruction (SMIR) in terms of postoperative psychosocial effects, sexuality, and quality of life.[¤]METHODS[|]Demographic data and clinical breast cancer parameters of patients who underwent BCS (n=48) or SMIR (n=27) between January 2012 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. The data were collected via face-to-face interview using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the breast cancer-specific submodule, EORTC QLQ-BR23.[¤]RESULTS[|]In this study group, 23 (48%) patients who underwent BCS and 25 (92.6%) patients who underwent SMIR were premenopausal (p<0.01). More patients in the SIMR group underwent axillary dissection [BCS: 11 (22.9%); SMIR: 17 (63%)] and had adjuvant therapy [25 (52%) vs. 23 (85%)] (p<0.01). The number of women working outside the home was greater in the SMIR group [BCS: 13 (27%); SMIR: 18 (66.6%)] (p<0.01). The EORTCQLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires revealed no significant difference between the groups in terms of functional scales (p>0.05). Fatigue scores on the QLQ-C30 were greater for SMIR patients, as well as arm symptoms in the QLQ-BR23 side effects scale (p<0.05).[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The results of BCS patients were better than those of SMIR patients on 3 scales, suggesting that BCS may be the first choice of treatment when feasible. For those who are not eligible, SMIR is an option to consider before a modified radical mastectomy.[¤]

Keywords

• breast
• breast conserving surgery
• cancer; implant; mastectomy; quality of life; reconstruction;subcutaneous mastectomy.