Breast Cancer Surgery: Special Focus on Preventive Strategies in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

The treatment of breast cancer has changed dramatically over the years. Surgery remains the main component of multidisciplinary treatment. Today, patients with breast cancer often have a range of surgical options to choose from. Radiotherapy combined with breast-conserving surgery is the preferred alternative to mastectomy in patients with breast cancer. Simultaneous reconstruction with mastectomy is possible. With oncoplastic breast surgery, excision of the tumor is combined with some techniques, maintaining cosmetic results without compromising oncological safety and preserving the shape of the breast. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used instead of routine axillary dissection because of the possibility of breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL). In some cases, axillary dissection can be omitted. BCRL continues to occur after breast cancer treatment. This leads to a number of physical and physiological limitations in patients. Preventive strategies are available to avoid this condition. Axillary reverse mapping and lymphovascular anastomosis have promising results.