Round Block Technique in Managing Breast Cancers of the Upper and Inner Quadrants: Results from a Single-Center Retrospective Study
摘要
Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is a standard treatment in early-stage breast cancer. However, conventional BCS in tumors located in the upper and inner quadrants may lead to suboptimal cosmetic outcomes. The round block technique (RBT) is an oncoplastic surgical method that offers aesthetic and oncological advantages in such cases. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological and cosmetic outcomes of RBT in breast cancer patients with tumors located in the upper and inner quadrants.
MethodsThis retrospective study included patients treated with RBT between 2015 and 2024 at a single center. Demographic, clinical, pathological, surgical, and follow-up data were analyzed. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed at the first postoperative year using a subjective Likert scale.
ResultsA total of 135 patients were included. The median tumor size was 20 mm, and 87.4% of patients were diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Positive surgical margins were detected in 8.1% and successfully revised. Local recurrence occurred in two patients during a median follow-up of 24 months. Cosmetic outcomes were rated as “excellent” or “well” by 90.3% of the patients.
ConclusionRBT provides favorable cosmetic and acceptable oncological outcomes in breast cancer patients with upper and inner quadrant tumors and may be considered a reliable oncoplastic option in appropriately selected cases.