The effect of late mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction on balance and body posture

ABSTRACT: Breast cancer remains the most common malignant neoplasm in women, which surgical treatment options include the Radical Mastectomy (RM). After radical mastectomy, common method of breast reconstruction is used with the placement of silicon prostheses, expanders or expander-prostheses. However, recent studies have shown a statistically significant disturbance of proper body posture and balance in women after mastectomy. These disturbances have even been demonstrated in women who underwent intensive rehabilitation. It has also been noted that these disturbances in body posture are decreased in women who used an external prosthesis not only during the day but also at night, while sleeping [1]. This leads to the assumption that breast reconstruction may have a positive effect in maintaining the proper body posture and balance in women after late mastectomy.