Breast Reconstruction following Mastectomy for Breast Cancer or Prophylactic Mastectomy: Therapeutic Options and Results

Abstract

(1) Importance of problem: Breast cancer accounted for 685,000 deaths globally in 2020, and half of all cases occur in women with no specific risk factor besides gender and age group. During the last four decades, we have seen a 40% reduction in age-standardized breast cancer mortality and have also witnessed a reduction in the medium age at diagnosis, which in turn means that the number of mastectomies performed for younger women increased, raising the need for adequate breast reconstructive surgery. Advances in oncological treatment have made it possible to limit the extent of what represents radical surgery for breast cancer, yet in the past decade, we have seen a marked trend toward mastectomies in breast-conserving surgery-eligible patients. Prophylactic mastectomies have also registered an upward trend. This trend together with new uses for breast reconstruction like chest feminization in transgender patients has increased the need for breast reconstruction surgery. (2) Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the types of reconstructive procedures, their indications, their limitations, their functional results, and their safety profiles when used during the integrated treatment plan of the oncologic patient. (3) Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review of the main reconstructive techniques, especially the autologous procedures; summarized the findings; and presented a few cases from our own experience for exemplification of the usage of breast reconstruction in oncologic patients. (4) Conclusions: Breast reconstruction has become a necessary step in the treatment of most breast cancers, and many reconstructive techniques are now routinely practiced. Microsurgical techniques are considered the “gold standard”, but they are not accessible to all services, from a technical or financial point of view, so pediculated flaps remain the safe and reliable option, along with alloplastic procedures, to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Bridging Discoveries and Treatments: The New Landscape of Breast Cancer Research

“…“Breast Reconstruction following Mastectomy for Breast Cancer or Prophylactic Mastectomy: Therapeutic Options and Results” discusses various reconstructive options following mastectomy for breast cancer or as a preventive measure [ 11 ]. It highlights the evolution of techniques and materials that offer women more choices for breast restoration, aiming to improve psychological outcomes and quality of life after surgery.…”

“…This Special Issue embodies our collective quest to understand the complexities of breast cancer through cutting-edge research and to translate these discoveries into actionable treatments that improve patient outcomes. Through a multidisciplinary lens, we explore innovative diagnostic tools [ 5 , 10 ], breakthrough therapies [ 4 , 9 ], and pioneering surgical techniques [ 11 ] that are reshaping the way we approach this disease. Our contributors, leading experts in their fields, offer insights into the evolving paradigms of breast cancer management, from molecular genetics to personalized medicine.…”

Navigating Fertility Preservation Options in Gynecological Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

“…It is well established that the incidence of breast cancer rises with age, but there has been an observed 11% increase in new diagnoses among women under 45 years old recently [1]. This shift has led healthcare providers to focus on QoL by modified surgical procedures aimed at limiting side-effects [114][115][116], reconstructive surgery [117], and fertility preservation options for these women, given the long-term toxicity concerns associated with the necessary treatment. Approximately 10% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women under 40, indicating that many require onco-fertility care, often disrupting family planning upon diagnosis.…”