breast conserving surgery: refinement of the reconstructive view of the breast

Breast Surgery has developed greatly since its beginnings. What was simple and unfortunately often mutilating removal of the cancerous lesion, often has become a sophisticated and quality of life-oriented part of the multi-disciplinary process in the treatment of a disease that nowadays affects 1 out of 8 women during their lifetime.The concept of oncoplastic breast conserving surgery combines oncologic tumor resection (breast conservation) with traditional or less traditional plastic surgical techniques. The primary goal is to achieve an optimal cosmetic result with long time local tumor control.There is no doubt that oncoplastic breast conserving surgery experienced a rapid rise with more patients demanding this kind of surgery. However, a profound knowledge of the different oncoplastic techniques is essential for the outcome.Concepts for optimizing oncoplastic breast conserving surgery have to find a balance between the intentions of cure and the preservation of an aesthetical shape of the breast, and also, have to be embedded in a multidisciplinary concept in the treatment of breast cancer. It is more than satisfying that surgeons take the effort and enthusiasm to improve the overall results, but are also willing to share their knowledge and achievements in an attempt to continue innovation and improvement that will eventually serve their grateful patients.Breast Surgery has developed greatly since its beginnings. What was simple and unfortunately often mutilating removal of the cancerous lesion, often has become a sophisticated and quality of life-oriented part of the multi-disciplinary process in the treatment of a disease that nowadays affects 1 out of 8 women during their lifetime.The concept of oncoplastic breast conserving surgery combines oncologic tumor resection (breast conservation) with traditional or less traditional plastic surgical techniques. The primary goal is to achieve an optimal cosmetic result with long time local tumor control.There is no doubt that oncoplastic breast conserving surgery experienced a rapid rise with more patients demanding this kind of surgery. However, a profound knowledge of the different oncoplastic techniques is essential for the outcome.