Aesthetic and surgical outcomes of the modified matrix rotation technique for upper inner quadrant breast tumors: a case series

Abstract

In patients with breast cancer, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery can achieve a good aesthetic outcome without compromising oncological outcomes. However, tumors located in the upper inner quadrant (UIQ) are challenging for surgeons because treatment gives rise to visible scars, glandular deformities, and deviation of the nipple–areolar complex. The present study was performed to analyze a modification of the matrix rotation technique for UIQ tumors and address the main drawback of this technique, which is a visible scar on the commonly exposed part of the breast. A prospective database of seven patients who presented with UIQ tumors and underwent the new modification technique was utilized for the analysis. All patients preferred the modified technique over the standard technique because of the absence of a scar in the UIQ (visible breast line). The postoperative patient-reported outcomes regarding breast shape, breast symmetry, and scar location were also satisfactory. No surgical complications were reported. This modified surgical technique results in a scarless UIQ and is an aesthetically acceptable procedure that can be considered for UIQ tumors.