tumours suitable for breast conservation

Last reviewed 06/2023

Breast tumours suitable for breast conservation include:

  • tumours where there is a single clinical and mammographic lesion
  • tumour size:
    • less than 3-4 cm in diameter
    • dependent on the size of the breast:
      • in small breasts, tumours greater than 2cm diameter may be impossible to remove without a cosmetic result that is similar to that of mastectomy
      • in large breasts, tumours slightly greater than 4cm diameter may be treated conservatively as the cosmetic results are generally favourable and prognosis is not thought to be greatly different from mastectomy
  • no sign of local advancement e.g. fixation to overlying skin or deeper muscle