Reduction mammoplasty improves breast conservation therapy in patients with macromastia.
BACKGROUND
Macromastia has been considered a contraindication to breast conservation therapy because of difficulties with radiation therapy. This study evaluates the feasibility of bilateral reduction mammoplasty as a component of breast conservation therapy for breast cancer patients with pendulous breasts.


METHODS
Of 153 patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 28 were identified as breast cancer patients with macromastia receiving breast conservation therapy. Median follow-up was 23.8 months.


RESULTS
Median patient age was 55 years. Nearly all patients were described as obese. Median weight of the reduction mammoplasty specimen on the cancerous side was 766 g. One patient (4%) required completion mastectomy for inadequate margin control. Major postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients (7%). There were no major postradiation complications. Patient survey revealed a satisfaction rate of 86%.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral reduction mammoplasty is a reasonable and safe option for breast cancer patients with macromastia who desire breast conservation therapy.
Newman
L A
LA
Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Kuerer
H M
HM
McNeese
M D
MD
Hunt
K K
KK
Gurtner
G C
GC
Vlastos
G S
GS
Robb
G
G
Singletary
S E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors