Reduction mammoplasty improves breast conservation therapy in patients with macromastia

Background: Macromastia has been considered a contraindication to breast co nservation therapy because of difficulties with radiation therapy. This stu dy evaluates the feasibility of bilateral reduction mammoplasty as a compon ent of breast conservation therapy for breast cancer patients with pendulou s 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 fo llow-up was 23.8 months. Results: Median patient age was 55 years. Nearly all patients were describe d as obese. Median weight of the reduction mammoplasty specimen on the canc erous side was 766 g. One patient (4%) required completion mastectomy for i nadequate margin control. Major postoperative complications occurred in 2 p atients (7%). There were no major postradiation complications. Patient surv ey revealed a satisfaction rate of 86%. Conclusion: Bilateral reduction mammoplasty is a reasonable and safe option for breast cancer patients with macromastia who desire breast conservation therapy. (C) 2001 Excerpta Medica. Inc. All rights reserved.