Status and Controversy on Skin-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer / 中国普外基础与临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To review the status and controversy on skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for breast cancer. Methods The pertinent literatures about SSM published recently to comprehend its relevant techniques and improvements in comparison with non-skin-sparing mastectomy (NSSM) were analyzed and also the safety of SSM by analyzing the relationships between SSM and ductal carcinoma in situ, restrict nipple-areola complex reservation, and postmastectomy radiotherapy were discussed. Results Skin-sparing mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction is a safe operative modality for T1/T2 tumor without skin adhesion, multicentric tumors, and ductal carcinoma in situ. What is more, it does not defer adjuvant therapy. However, it may be prudent to reserve the nipple-areola complex only for peripherally located T1/T2 tumors and some other less serious invasion degree. Since the effect of SSM and immediate breast reconstruction on postmastectomy radiotherapy is confusing, there are still controversies on whether the patients who have already been operated should take radiotherapy. Conclusion SSM is a safe operative modality for selected patients with breast cancer, and delayed reconstruction may be a good choice for patients who would take postmastectomy radiotherapy.