Breast Cancer: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: We have an insufficient scientific data about pre-Halstedian (1867/1875 - 1894) period of breast cancer history, about the results of breast cancer treatment. The primary aim of this article is to present authentic scientific data about pre- Halstedian period of breast cancer history, evaluate the value of this period and the results of breast cancer treatment. The secondary aim of this article was to compare the 3-year retrospective results of Volkmann’s breast operation (according to our day lexicon-modified radical Madden mastectomy) with 3-year retrospective results of radical Halsted-Meyer mastectomy. Methods: This article is based on the original papers, and the authentic manuscripts of the European and the American scientists of the end of XIX -beginning of the XX century with their images, and images of breast operations. Results: According to presented data, in pre-Halstedian period, Volkmann’s operation, become the gold standard of breast cancer treatment. During 20-25 years, initial 3 year results of Volkmann’s operation were significantly improved from 17.8%- 23 % in 1880/1881 to 35%-45% in 1894/1904. During 30 years, the initial 3year results of radical (Halsted-Meyer) mastectomy were refined from 45% in 1889-1894 to 26.6%-32.2% in 1931. Retrospectively, the latest results of Volkmann’s operations with regular dissection of axilla were similar with the results of radical Halsted mastectomy. In 1965, Madden presented modified radical mastectomy with removing breast, pectoral fascia, dissection of axillae and preserving pectoral muscle and reintroduced Volkmann’s operation. Even today, modified radical (Madden) mastectomy – Volkmann’s operation is a standard of breast cancer treatment. Conclusion: The period of pre-Halstedian breast cancer history, the results of classic Volkmann’s breast operation, the names of prominent European and American surgeons were forgotten, and our duty is to reintroduce it.

Biography

He defended his doctoral dissertation "Plastic and reconstructive surgery corrective sergančiosioms ikinavikinėmis breast disease and breast cancer", in 2000 - a doctoral thesis habilitation "in patients with breast cancer and ikinavikinėmis disease treatment. Dissertations detailed analysis of the combined results of treatment of breast cancer, and made recommendations to patients treated with improving the quality of life. V. Ostapenko the chief researcher, together with co-authors published more than 118 scientific papers, 4 rationalization proposals author. Actively participate and present reports in international oncologists and plastic reconstructive surgeons congresses held in the Baltic countries, Poland, Russia, Greece, Austria, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, the United States.

Email: v.ostapenko@takas.lt ford.ac.uk