Who is suitable
Most single tumours of modest size relative to the breast, with no contraindication to radiotherapy. Larger tumours may become suitable after chemotherapy given before surgery. Multicentric disease or prior chest radiotherapy may favour mastectomy.
Technique
The tumour is localised by clip, wire or imaging guidance, excised with a margin, and cavity shaves or specimen imaging confirm clearance. Oncoplastic displacement or local flap techniques restore contour, and the cavity is marked with clips for radiotherapy planning.
After surgery
Usually day-case or one-night stay. Radiotherapy follows within weeks, and endocrine therapy or chemotherapy is decided from final pathology and receptor status.
Common questions
- Is survival lower than after mastectomy?
- For suitable tumours, breast conservation with radiotherapy gives equivalent long-term survival to mastectomy in published randomised data.
- What if margins are not clear?
- A re-excision is performed, and occasionally mastectomy is required. This possibility is discussed before the first operation.
Related reading
This page is general education, reviewed by Dr. Ishaan Allahabadi, MCh Surgical Oncology (Edge Hill, UK) · MS Surgery · MBBS (Accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England). It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment decisions are made after reviewing your imaging and pathology, in a multidisciplinary tumour board.