Breast appearance and function after breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy.

Between 1978 and 1985, 247 breast cancer patients were treated with breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy. One hundred and twenty of these patients form the basis of this report, having replied to an 11-point structured questionnaire evaluating breast appearance and breast, shoulder and arm function. Good to perfect cosmetic, functional and overall scores are shown to be in the range 61-89%. The extent of primary surgery and axillary irradiation are the major factors affecting the cosmetic appearance. Other problems with cosmetic and functional assessment from subjective and objective view points are also discussed.