Are the chances of survival better with non-breast-conserving therapy?
In a BET, the malignant tissue is completely removed. During the operation, the removed tissue is examined microscopically to see if the tumour cells are surrounded by healthy cells – this means that the tumour has been removed as a whole. If this is not the case, the surgeon may remove a piece of tissue.
BET together with radiation promises the same safety as breast removal, also known as amputation. In some cases, patients decide to amputate even if BET is possible. This is a personal decision that is made in advance by the breast cancer patients.
Advantages
The advantage of BET is that the breast is preserved. Some women find this a relief, as only a small change in the appearance of the breast is visible. Furthermore, the scars with a BET are basically quite small. For women who wish to have a child, it may be possible to breastfeed after a breast-conserving therapy – it is important that there is still enough glandular tissue in the breast.
Disadvantages
An operation on the breast can result in dents or even hardening. Irradiation can also contribute to such changes. Furthermore, a scar may be visible through the incisions made during the operation.
With breast-conserving therapy there is a risk that not all malignant cells are removed by the operation. To be on the safe side, the removed tissue is examined to see if there are already benign cells in the border area, which would indicate that the tumor as a whole has been removed. If tumor cells are still found in the outer areas, a new operation is necessary.
Together with radiation therapy, BET is considered to be just as safe as amputation, i.e. a complete removal of the breast. However, if irradiation is refused or is not feasible, BET is not considered an equivalent procedure for the treatment of breast cancer. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- Radiation therapy for breast cancer
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