Conservation therapy for T1-3 carcinoma of the breast. The role of radiation therapy

Breast conservation therapy may be offered as an alternative to mastectomy for appropriately selected patients with T1 through T3 breast carcinoma. Patients management requires a well coordinated team approach involving the patient, radiation oncologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, diagnostic radiologist and pathologist. The cosmetic result is good to excellent in most cases if careful attention is paid to surgery and radiation techniques. Lesions less than 5 cm in diameter are most appropriate. After completion of breast conservation therapy it is very important to follow patients closely. Thus both physical examination and mammography are important.