Skin-, nipple-, and areola-sparing mastectomy

Abstract

Surgical management of breast carcinoma has evolved to include more breast conserving techniques such as skin-, nipple-, and areola-sparing mastectomies, as improved cosmesis becomes an increasing concern. However, the oncologic risk of these procedures must be strongly considered before such techniques can be widely adopted. Here we review available literature on these techniques and their associated clinical outcome. From our own experience, as well as from that reported, we conclude that nipple-, skin-, and areola-sparing mastectomies in carefully selected patients can have safe oncologic outcomes comparable to more traditional surgical techniques and therefore may be a feasible option for breast cancer management. © 2008 Copyright Cambridge University Press 2008.