Breast reduction as an alternative treatment option for early breast cancer in women with macromastia

Macromastia has been considered a relative contraindication to breast conservation therapy because of difficulties with postoperative radiation therapy and cosmesis. This study evaluates the feasibility of the inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty as a component of breast conservation therapy for patients with early breast cancer. A retrospective review identified 6 patients with macromastia receiving oncologic treatment of breast cancer and simultaneous breast reduction. Mean age was 43.5 +/- 8.7 (mean +/- SD) years, and all breast cancers were stage I or II, averaging 2.3 +/- 1.5 cm in size. All patients underwent a Wise-pattern inferior pedicle breast reduction after cancer extirpation and received postoperative radiation as part of their treatment. They were evaluated for postoperative complications, esthetic outcome of the breasts, and local recurrence. Patients in this series were followed for an average of 30.3 months, with no significant postoperative complications and recurrences. Breast reduction incisions healed primarily and adjuvant radiation was completed without a delay. All patients were pleased with the esthetic result and had improvement of their symptoms related to macromastia. Thus, we believe that breast reduction is a reasonable and safe option for early breast cancer patients with macromastia who desire breast conservation therapy. Our combined oncologic and reconstructive approach may improve the outcome of this group of patients with early breast cancers.