Maria Sundberg, a 65-year-old woman, received the devastating news of a breast cancer diagnosis, plunging her into a state of profound shock and uncertainty. The thought of losing a breast, a significant part of her identity as a woman, added to her emotional turmoil. While the primary focus was removing the cancer, the impact of the surgery on her body image and overall well-being weighed heavily on her mind. The fear of living with only one breast, the potential asymmetry, and the emotional scars, were as daunting as the disease itself. This experience underscores the complex psychological and physical challenges faced by women diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting the importance of holistic care that addresses not only the disease but also the patient’s emotional and physical needs.
Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women, affects approximately one in five women under the age of 50. Surgical intervention aims to preserve as much of the breast as possible, but in cases involving large tumors, a mastectomy, the complete removal of the affected breast, becomes necessary. Traditionally, this procedure often results in a “flat closure,” leaving the patient with a noticeable asymmetry. Reconstruction options, which involve rebuilding the breast using implants or the patient’s own tissue, are available but not always suitable, especially for women with larger busts or who are overweight. These limitations often lead to the suboptimal outcome of a flat closure for these patients, placing them in a difficult situation where they are left with a significant physical difference that can affect their self-esteem, body image, and even physical comfort.
The existing reconstructive methods are often challenging to implement effectively in patients with larger breasts, leading to less aesthetically pleasing results. This disparity in treatment options prompted Dr. Emma Niméus, a breast surgeon and docent at Lund University, to embark on a research study focused on developing a new reconstructive technique specifically designed for women with larger cup sizes. Driven by a desire to improve the quality of life for these patients, Dr. Niméus and her colleagues at Kristianstad Hospital aim to expand the available surgical arsenal to address the unmet needs of this specific group. The goal is to provide an alternative to flat closure and offer these women the opportunity to retain a breast, if they so choose, thereby empowering them with more control over their bodies and their recovery journey.
The study centers on evaluating the effectiveness of combining two existing surgical techniques, Goldilock and Licap, to reconstruct a breast using the patient’s own tissue. Goldilock involves removing the breast tissue while preserving the skin and subcutaneous fat, creating a natural pocket for reconstruction. Licap utilizes fat from the underarm and back area to fill the cavity created by the tumor removal. By combining these techniques, Dr. Niméus’s team aims to achieve a more natural-looking reconstruction for women with larger breasts. Maria Sundberg, one of the first patients enrolled in the study, found the results life-changing. The successful reconstruction allowed her to feel whole and reconciled with her body, significantly improving her emotional well-being and lessening the impact of the cancer diagnosis.
The new combined procedure offered Maria a sense of wholeness and significantly enhanced her self-confidence. The reconstructed breast, though slightly firmer than her natural breast, closely resembled its original form, minimizing the visible impact of the surgery. The minimal scarring further contributed to her satisfaction. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, the surgery also alleviated prior discomfort caused by the weight of her large breasts, eliminating the need for ill-fitting bras. This unexpected positive outcome further underscores the potential of this new technique to enhance the overall quality of life for women with larger breasts undergoing breast cancer surgery. It showcases the power of patient-centered research and the importance of developing surgical techniques that cater to the diverse needs of all women.
While the study is still ongoing, with over a hundred patients expected to participate, the initial results are promising. The combined Goldilock-Licap procedure offers several advantages, including simultaneous tumor removal and breast reconstruction, with a subsequent reduction of the other breast for symmetry. This streamlined approach minimizes the number of procedures and recovery periods, improving the patient experience. Although the operation is more complex and requires a longer recovery period compared to a flat closure, the potential benefits in terms of body image, self-esteem, and physical comfort are significant. The research underscores the evolving landscape of breast cancer treatment, where the focus is shifting towards not just survival but also enhancing the quality of life after diagnosis and treatment.
