Review article
The importance of reconstructive surgery in patients diagnosed with breast cancer
Ljerka Eljuga
; Eljuga Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia
Domagoj Eljuga
; Eljuga Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia
Ilona Sušac
; Eljuga Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Croatia. Thanks to modern diagnostics and national program of early detection of breast cancer, tumors today are diagnosed in earlier stage, which has favorable effect on the prognosis of disease, but also on the possibilities of surgical treatment. Surgical treatment of breast cancer is progressing rapidly, from breast conserving surgical procedures to skin sparing mastectomies and primary reconstruction of removed breast which became the standard of modern surgical treatment. Apart from the primary reconstruction, patients are offered the opportunity of secondary reconstruction. In patients with early breast cancer (T1 and T2 stage), skin sparing mastectomy followed with breast reconstruction is a safe method from oncologic viewpoint and from the aspect of patient, it reduces psychological trauma that is associated with removal of the entire breast (feeling of mutilation, depression, decreased sexuality). This method also gives plastic surgeons ability to achieve excellent aesthetic appearance of new breast.
Keywords
breast cancer; breast reconstruction; skin sparing mastectomies; psychological health; sexuality
Hrčak ID:
278701
URI
Publication date:
21.10.2010.
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