Abstract

Introduction & Objectives: Breast volume measurement is required for augmentation, reduction and reconstructive oncoplastic breast procedures. Currently no simple, economical and ideal breast volume assessment method exists. We calculated breast volumes by anthropometric methods in fifty patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy, and compared them with their own post-mastectomy specimen volumes taken as controls.

Material & Methods: Breast volumes were calculated by Oteify et al formula using breast circumference in supine & upright positions, and by Qiao et al formula using breast radii & mammary projection. Post-mastectomy specimen volume was calculated by Archimedes principle after dividing axillary tissue from the specimen. Results were compared with those of anthropometric formulae and correlated with age, grade of ptosis & bra size.

Results: Both formulae gave comparable results up to 300 cc specimen volume, beyond which Qiao et al formula became inaccurate. Otiefy et al formula remained valid till 700 cc. Although all specimen volumes, anthropometric measurements and volume calculations increased with grade of Ptosis, results were most accurate in non-ptotic breasts. Both formulae were comparable up to bra size 32B, but lost accuracy beyond size 36 & cup C/D.

Conclusion: Both formulae can assess volume correctly in small to medium sized non-ptotic breasts. But neither formula is valid for large breasts. Grade of Ptosis greatly impacts the accuracy of these anthropometric formulae. Therefore, it should either be eliminated or incorporated in the breast volume calculation methods. However, breast volume measurement by anthropometry was easy, convenient, and without needing any sophisticated equipment, was economical.

Keywords: Breast Oncoplasty; Breast Reconstruction; Breast Volume; Anthropometry.