MASTECTOMY VS CONSERVATIVE SURGERY IN CARCINOMA BREAST

Background‘Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women, with surgical intervention being a cornerstone of treatment’. Mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) are widely practiced surgical options. While both approaches have shown comparable survival outcomes, differences in recurrence rates, complications, and quality of life necessitate further exploration. This study aimed to compare the oncological outcomes, post-surgical complications, and quality of life in patients undergoing mastectomy versus ‘breast-conserving surgery for breast carcinoma’. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at Gomal Medical College and its affiliated hospitals from January 2023 to January 2024. A total of 110 patients with histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma, stages I–III, were included. Patients were divided equally into two groups: 55 underwent mastectomy, and 55 underwent BCS. Data on recurrence, survival, complications, and quality of life were collected and analyzed using statistical methods. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. ResultsLocal recurrence rates were slightly higher in the ‘BCS group (7.3%) compared to the mastectomy group (5.5%), though not statistically significant (P=0.67)’. Distant metastasis rates were comparable between groups. Disease-free survival and overall survival showed negligible differences, highlighting similar oncological outcomes for both approaches. Complications such as lymphedema and chronic pain were more frequent in the mastectomy group, while quality of life scores were significantly higher in the BCS group (P=0.02). ConclusionBoth mastectomy and BCS are effective surgical options for managing breast carcinoma, with comparable oncological outcomes. BCS offers the added advantage of better quality of life and cosmetic satisfaction, making it an appealing choice for eligible patients. Treatment decisions should prioritize patient preferences, tumor characteristics, and access to adjuvant therapies.