Breast-Conserving Surgery More Likely At Breast Centers

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 15 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PST

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Breast cancer patients are twice as likely to be offered breast-conserving surgery if treated by surgeons at breast centers than by surgeons in private practice, according to a national survey of breast specialists conducted by the American Society of Breast Disease. The survey presented a case study of a woman from her initial workup following a mammogram through diagnosis to surgical treatment. A full report of the case and survey responses of 118 clinicians is available in the Society's ASBD Advisor online at http://www.asbd.org.

According to Fayetteville, Arkansas breast surgeon, Michael Cross, MD, "this patient should be offered breast conservation, but genetic testing and counseling should be conducted early on as a full workup is performed."

When asked whether the patient should receive an MRI of the breast as part of the diagnostic process, nearly three-quarters of the physicians recommended an MRI. Of these, 50% recommended MRIs for all breast cancer patients and 50% requested the procedure based on the type of cancer that the patient in the case had. Dr. Cross, who provides a full commentary in the ASBD Advisor, offers that "all breast cancer patients should undergo bilateral breast MRI. An MRI is needed to properly stage the affected breast and assess for disease in the opposite breast."

Brian Englander, MD, director of imaging at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, notes that after appropriate treatment, "repeat bilateral MRI should be performed to evaluate for response to therapy and extent of residual disease prior to surgery."

The full article also reports on uses of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy prior to surgery as well as the kinds of surgical options and procedures that this woman might receive.

Visit the American Society of Breast Disease at http://www.asbd.org to download the full article.

About the American Society of Breast Disease

The American Society of Breast Disease is the leading professional medical society in the United States to serve all physicians and allied professionals committed to and advocating an interdisciplinary team approach to breast cancer and disease management, prevention, early detection, treatment, and research. The Society provides education programs and advocates for improvements in breast healthcare.

American Society of Breast Disease