Current possibilities of peri-operative evaluation of the radicality of primary tumour resection in breast cancer patients treated with BCT (breast conserving treatment)

Abstract

In accordance with the current standards of treatment of breast cancer patients, the application of breast conserving treatment (BCT) requires a radical resection of the tumour and post-operative radiotherapy. This means the necessity of obtaining tumour-free primary resection margins, i.e. without the presence of cancer tissue. In spite of the cor­rect pre-operative diagnostic process and appropriate surgical treatment, in about 20–30% BCT cases, the tumour resection turns out to be not radical. The necessity of performing another surgery leads to the prolongation of the overall operative time and increases costs.

A histopathological evaluation of the margin of the primary tumour resection performed on an immediate basis is not a standard procedure in patients undergoing BCT. In spite of the definite limitations of this method, its application may decrease the overall rate of revision surgeries. The paper discusses some other currently available possibilities of perioperative evaluation of the radicality of primary tumour resection in breast cancer patients treated with BCT.