Am J Psychiatry 1985; 142:34-39
Copyright © 1985 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychological outcome of lumpectomy versus mastectomy in the treatment of breast cancer
MD Steinberg, MA Juliano and L Wise
Forty-six patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy were compared
14 months after surgery with 21 patients who underwent lumpectomy and
radiation; all patients had stage I or II breast cancer. Lumpectomy
patients reported less of a loss of feelings of attractiveness and
femininity, were less self-conscious about their appearance, received more
emotional support from friends, and were more open about their surgery and
sexual feelings after surgery. Unlike the mastectomy patients, they saw
their spouses' sexuality as enhanced after surgery. Lumpectomy patients
were not less anxious or less depressed but showed better overall
adaptation to their surgery and less functional change.
