Breast-Conserving Therapy and Irradiation in Women with Prior Breast Augmentation

Introduction: The incidence of breast-augmented women developing breast cancer is increasing and there is some disagreement regarding the optimal cancer treatment, in the setting of prior breast augmentation. The purpose of this study was to describe the outcome of Breast-conserving surgery and Radiation Treatment (BCT) for breast cancer, with preservation of the breast implants in breast-augmented women. Methods: Medical records of 30 women with prior breast augmentation, undergoing BCT at our institution between 2018 and 2021, were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding complications, capsular contracture rates, oncological and overall cosmetic outcomes following treatment were registered. Results: Median follow-up time was 29 months with an overall complication rate of 30%. Surgeryrequiring complications (capsular contracture) were observed in 10% of the patients, one case resulting in implant removal and two cases resulting in implant exchange, whereas 20% had complications not requiring reoperation. Two patients (7%) had positive margins and underwent re-excision. No patients experienced cancer recurrence. Fifty percent of those with relevant information (n=3/6) developed or had worsening of capsular contracture, and 63% (n=7/11) were evaluated as having an excellent to good overall cosmetic appearance upon follow-up.