History of Breast Surgery

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History of Breast Surgery
The earliest reference to the surgical treatment of breast cancer can perhaps be found in what is now known as the "Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus," a series of medical case presentations written in Egypt between 3000 and 2500 b.c.. In those writings, it is clearly documented that physicians in ancient Egypt extirpated tumors of the breast. However, there was considerable controversy surrounding the surgical treatment of breast cancer throughout ancient times. Indeed, Hippocrates argued that breast cancer was a systemic disease, and that extirpation of the primary tumor made matters worse. In about 400 b.c. he warned, "it is better not to excise hidden cancer, for those who are excised quickly perish; while they who are not excised live longer."

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, several surgeons promulgated a more aggressive surgical approach to the treatment of breast cancer. The modern surgical treatment of breast cancer has its origins in the mid nineteenth century

Recent development in Breast reconstruction

Recently, there has been an increased emphasis on improving quality of life for those afflicted with breast cancer. Surgeons have played a very important role in this endeavor. The surgeon is often the first to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options with the patient, and effective communication skills can do much to allay anxiety and fear. Also, there is now a wider acceptance of breast reconstructive surgery as an important component in the overall management of breast cancer. Breast reconstruction can reduce the psychological trauma associated with mastectomy, particularly the sense of mutilation, depression, and misgivings concerning femininity. Surgeons throughout the world have described a wide array of reconstructive techniques, including the use of expanders, implants and tissue flaps


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