ABSTRACT
Patient preferences, comorbidities, and the need for postmastectomy radiation and/or chemotherapy should be considered by the careteam before the definitive reconstructive plan is offered to the patient. Breast reconstruction is an option for all patients undergoing mastectomy. The option for reconstruction may influence a patient’s preference between breast-conserving therapy and mastectomy, highlighting the importance of early reconstruction discussions with patients requiring breast cancer surgery. Mastectomy is an option for the oncologic management of patients with breast cancer and for patients at extremely high risk of developing breast cancer. Oncologic therapy takes precedence and reconstruction choices should balance this principle with the wishes of the patient. Treatment delays are best avoided by ensuring early discussion of breast reconstruction risks and benefits. This should involve multidisciplinary input from surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, as well as reconstruction surgeons.
