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The impact of the sentinel node concept on the aesthetic outcome of breast cancer conservative surgery

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Abstract

Background

The sentinel node (SN) concept has brought numerous advantages to women with breast cancer. Sparing axillary node anatomy and physiology may enhance the cosmetic results of breast cancer conservative surgery, either owing to less breast edema or to a better tolerance to the effects of surgery and radiotherapy. Our aim was to compare the cosmetic outcome of two randomized groups of patients, on a subjective and objective basis.

Methods

A consecutive series of breast cancer patients (n = 60) submitted to partial mastectomy plus axillary dissection or partial mastectomy plus SN biopsy (included in a randomized trial) was photographed. Photos were analysed in three ways: by seven different observers according to seven features from poor to excellent; two observers estimated the percentage of breast retraction assessment (pBRA); or by the BCCT.core 1.0® software.

Results

The panel subjective analysis showed a benefit in terms of the skin colour for the patients submitted to SN biopsy only. This group of patients did not show any advantage in terms of pBRA estimates even after the complex BCCT.core appraisal.

Conclusions

The sentinel node concept is not associated with improvements in the aesthetic outcome of breast cancer conservative treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Oncology, Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil, Centro do Porto, Porto, Portugal

    José Luis Fougo, Paulo Reis, Laurinda Giesteira, Teresa Dias & Cláudia Araújo

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil, Centro do Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Mário Dinis-Ribeiro

  3. CINTESIS/Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Porto Faculty of Medicine, Porto, Portugal

    Mário Dinis-Ribeiro

  4. Breast Centre, Hospital de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal

    José Luis Fougo

Authors
  1. José Luis Fougo
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  2. Paulo Reis
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  3. Laurinda Giesteira
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  4. Teresa Dias
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  5. Cláudia Araújo
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  6. Mário Dinis-Ribeiro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to José Luis Fougo.

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Fougo, J.L., Reis, P., Giesteira, L. et al. The impact of the sentinel node concept on the aesthetic outcome of breast cancer conservative surgery. Breast Cancer 21, 33–39 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-012-0359-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-012-0359-9

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