Dr. Boughey Discusses Breast Conservation in Patients with Multiple Ipsilateral Tumors

Judy C. Boughey, MD, associate professor of surgery, director, Breast Surgical Oncology Training Program, Mayo Clinic, on breast conservation in patients with multiple ipsilateral tumors.

In clinical practice, a second or third focus of cancer is often found after women are initially diagnosed with breast cancer, Boughey says, and the recommendation for multiple ipsilateral tumors has historically been mastectomy.

The question remains as to whether or not these women should undergo mastectomy or if the opportunity exists to preserve the breast. A prospective clinical trial is currently ongoing to answer this question. The patients in the study will receive a lumpectomy before being treated with radiation. Boughey notes that this question is important because mastectomy rates are increasing in parallel with the use of MRI.