The cosmetic outcome in early breast cancer treated with breast conservation.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the cosmetic outcome of breast-conserving surgery and identify the factors which influence cosmesis.


METHODS
A total of 254 patients with primary breast cancer treated by wide local excision, with or without radiotherapy, were subjectively assessed for cosmesis by a six-member panel using photographic evaluation and objectively by an independent observer using specific measurement.


RESULTS
Good to excellent cosmetic results were achieved in 184 (72%) patients on panel subjective assessment and 201 (79%) patients on objective assessment. Good correlation (P<0.001) and agreement were found between the panel's subjective photographic assessment and the objective assessment. The main factors found to affect cosmesis negatively were: medially located tumours; weight of specimen; re-excision procedures; radiotherapy; small breasts and longer scars.


CONCLUSIONS
These cosmetic results, combined with a low local recurrence rate following wide local excision, validate the operative method used.
Al-Ghazal
S K
SK
Breast Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
Blamey
R W
RW
Stewart
J
J
Morgan
A A
AA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001504:Beauty; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010781:Photography; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D016896:Treatment Outcome