Oncologic Principles for Breast Reconstruction: Indications and Limits

Multidisciplinary management of breast cancer requires the integration of therapeutic or prophylactic surgery with plastic surgery to reconstruct the breast, and interplays with other possible adjuvant treatments. Mastectomy options, such as skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy, are dependent on several oncologic factors, such as tumor extent and location, and cancer stage. The requirement for systemic therapy or radiotherapy is also dependent on these variables and can influence patient selection for breast reconstruction. These oncologic and treatment factors should be considered when making decisions about the timing and type of breast reconstruction.