breastconserving

Breast-conserving treatment, also called breast-conserving surgery or breast-conserving therapy, refers to surgical approaches that aim to remove breast cancer while preserving as much of the breast tissue as possible. The most common procedure is lumpectomy (partial mastectomy), in which the tumor and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue are removed. This is usually followed by radiation therapy to the remaining breast. The goal is to achieve clear margins and maintain breast appearance while achieving oncologic control. In some cases oncoplastic techniques may be used to improve cosmetic results.

Breast-conserving treatment is commonly used for early-stage breast cancer and for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Eligibility depends on tumor size and location, breast size, absence of diffuse or multicentric disease, and ability to deliver complete resection with negative margins. Contraindications include multiple tumors in different quadrants that would require extensive tissue removal, prior irradiation to the chest wall, connective tissue disorders that increase radiation risks, or patient factors that make radiotherapy unsuitable.

After breast-conserving surgery, radiation therapy is typically recommended to reduce the risk of local recurrence. Sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary staging may accompany the operation to assess cancer spread. Additional systemic therapies—such as hormonal therapy for hormone receptor–positive cancers, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy—may be used depending on tumor biology and stage.

Outcomes: When combined with radiotherapy, breast-conserving treatment provides overall survival similar to mastectomy for appropriately selected patients. Local recurrence risk is low but remains higher than with mastectomy in some cohorts. Cosmetic results vary with tumor size, location, and treatment effects; follow-up is required to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term effects of treatment.