Breast reconstruction and radiotherapy

In recent years there were significant advances in auto- and heterological breast reconstruction. Reconstruction with implants after mastectomy is being used more often. A recent study conducted by Albronoz et al, based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample data, found an increasing rate of immediate breast reconstruction with implants after mastectomy up to 11%, compared to autological methods of reconstruction [Barreau-Pouhaer L., 1992]. A possible reason for this increase is the growing number of young patients who need a mastectomy, but have not enough fat tissue for autological reconstruction. The purpose of reconstruction is to reach a long-term, oncologically safe and aesthetically pleasing result with reasonable operation expenses. Radiation therapy after mastectomy, as part of a complex treatment, is needed for an increasing amount of patients with breast cancer. Radiation therapy is a vital part of cancer treatment, but often causes complications. Patients should be informed and consulted about potential complications so they can make reasonable decisions about their treatment.