Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) typically refers to breast cancer that has spread to regional lymph nodes or has invaded the chest wall in the absence of distant metastasis. Given the concern for locoregional and distant failure many of these patients receive aggressive treatment often involving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The approach for breast reconstruction can be challenging in these patients given the treatment demands and damage to the local tissue. Furthermore, immediate reconstruction and management of overall expectations in this setting can be difficult. In this presentation, topics of exploration include neoadjuvant chemotherapy, delayed / immediate reconstruction, contra-lateral prophylactic mastectomy, stacked flaps and review of patient outcomes. After hearing the presentation the reconstructive surgeon will understand how to approach patients with LABC in a safe and reliable manner.
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