Indications for and limits of conservative surgery in breast cancer
Barbuscia, M.A.; Cingari, E.A.; Torchia, U.; Querci, A.; Lemma, G.; Ilacqua, A.; Caizzone, A.; Sanò, A.; Fabiano, V.
Il Giornale di Chirurgia 34(3): 90-94
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0391-9005 PMID: 23578414 Document Number: 666299
Improvements in diagnostic techniques and, above all, breast cancer screening campaigns - essential for early diagnosis - have enabled the objectives of conservative surgery to be pursued: disease control, no or low incidence of recurrences and an excellent esthetic result. However, to reach these objectives, it is essential to ensure a careful evaluation of the medical history of every patient, a detailed clinical examination and the correct interpretation of imaging. Particular attention should be paid to all factors influencing the choice of treatment and/or possible local recurrence: age, site, tumor volume, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, previous radiotherapy, pathological features, and surgical margins. The decision to undertake conservative treatment thus requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pathologists, surgeons and oncological radiologists, as well, of course, as the patient herself.