Breast Cancer
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Breast Conserving Therapy
Breast conserving therapy (BCT) is the removal of a tumor and portion of surrounding breast tissue followed by breast radiotherapy. It is the preferred treatment for many patients with early stage breast carcinoma. Studies have demonstrated equivalent overall survival for patients receiving breast conserving therapy as those patients treated by mastectomy.
The major advantages of breast conserving therapy when compared to mastectomy are quick surgical recovery, pleasing cosmetic outcome, and less psychological impact for some patients. The principal disadvantage of breast conservation is prolonged treatment duration requiring approximately 6 to 7 weeks of external beam radiation therapy.
Gina J. Mansy, M.D. and Huan B. Giap, M.D. – Radiation Oncologists