Abstracts / 2nd International Syniposyum oil Organ Sparing Treahneni
16
Breast and axilla conserving surgery in the management of early-stage breast cancer
Mogens Blichert-Toft
Department of Endocrine & Breast Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
The main incentive to breast conserving therapy (BCT) relates to preserving femininity and avoiding the feeling of female inferiority and a disfigured body image. Some women are even more concerned about preserving the breast rather than preserving life. The preconditions for BCT are satisfactory cosmesis, good physical function, and loco-regional disease control. If the breast is badly disfigured following BCT, there is little sense in breast conservation. The mainstay of early-stage breast cancer treatment is surgery. One option is breast conservation in case of eligibility. Radicality of the surgical procedure is emphasized whether mastectomy or breast conservation has been undertaken. Risk factors related to BCT in particular are scrutinized, and especially young age and extensive ductal components of the specimen are dealt with as independent risk factors for local control in BCT. BCT in Denmark amounts to about 30% of operations in breast cancer. This is a rather low frequency compared withfJigures from other countries. Consequently, the Danish eligibility criteria are discussed. The reasons for axillary dissection are emphasized. Even in small tumors below 10 mm, axillary dissection is indicated due to a considerable involvement of axillary nodes. The introduction of the sentinel node principle seems to provide a basis for conservation of healthy axillary lymph nodes in node negative patients.
Correspondence to: Prof. Mogens Blichert-Toft, M.D., Copenhagen University Hospital, Surgical Department, Rigshospitalet 3104, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. Phone: +45 3545 2117; Fax: +45 3545 3642; E-mail: mbt@rh.dk
Radiol Oiicol 2000; 34(3): 223-49.