A study on locally advanced carcinoma of the breast for a period of 2 years- regarding its management and prognosis in GMKMCH, Salem

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among females in India with increasing mortality. Most of the patients presents to the hospital in advanced stage of the disease. Locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC) includes stage IIb, IIIa, IIIb. Multi-disciplinary approach with Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiotherapy and Hormone therapy is the main stay of treatment which improves the quality of life and prolongs disease free interval. OBJECTIVE: To find the age incidence, various presentations, response to neo adjuvant chemotherapy, various modalities and the disease free survival of patients with LABC. METHODS: This Prospective study was conducted on the patients with Locally advanced breast carcinoma who attended surgical OPD in Surgery Department in Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem. After complete evaluation, Neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy was given to downstage the tumour followed by Modified Radical Mastectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy was given to reduce further metastasis and prevent Loco-regional recurrence. OBSERVATION & RESULTS: In my study, the highest age incidence for LABC is from 40-49 years of age, predominantly in post-menopausal age group, TNM Stage III B is the common stage of LABC in this group of people. Most patients responded very well to Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with minimal side-effects. Post-operative Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy reduces the overall local recurrence to 5% and systemic metastases to 7%. CONCLUSION: This Multi-disciplinary approach therefore enhances the quality of life of the breast carcinoma patients by reducing the morbidity and improving the overall survival rate and disease free survival, when combined properly