Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess and compare the psychological outcome and satisfaction
of patients whom underwent wide local excision, mastectomy alone and mastectomy with
breast reconstruction. A total of 577 patients had different types of operations for
primary breast cancer (254 (44%) had wide local excision, 202 (35%) had simple mastectomy
and 121 (21%) had breast reconstruction). Psychosocial morbidity and satisfaction
were studied retrospectively using self-evaluation questionnaires. The three different
surgical groups were cross-matched into four different age group. Significant statistical
differences existed between the three procedures regarding satisfaction and psychosocial
morbidity (anxiety, depression, body image, sexuality and self-esteem) in favour of
wide local excision followed by breast reconstruction. Greatest morbidity was seen
in the mastectomy group. Patient satisfaction of cosmetic outcome and psychosocial
aspects was greater with wide local excision than with breast reconstruction or mastectomy.
However, since wide local excision is indicated in only a group of patients, breast
reconstruction should be an option available to patients requiring mastectomy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 30,
2000
Received in revised form:
May 16,
2000
Received:
February 4,
2000
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
