Our Summary

This research paper is about breast-conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a type of early-stage breast cancer. The study looked at the success rates of a procedure called lumpectomy, where only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue is removed, in larger tumors (4 cm or more) compared to smaller ones (less than 4 cm).

The study used data from 669 patients with DCIS who had surgery between 2015 and 2022. They found that lumpectomy was attempted more often in women with smaller tumors than in those with larger ones, and it was also more successful in the smaller tumors.

About 93% of women with tumors smaller than 4 cm had a successful lumpectomy, while only about 56% of those with tumors 4 cm or larger did. However, even in the larger tumors, lumpectomy was successful in 70% of tumors in the 4-5.9 cm range. In larger tumors, additional surgeries were often required.

The study concludes that lumpectomy can be a good option for many patients with larger DCIS tumors, especially those smaller than 6 cm, although additional surgeries may be needed. No local recurrences were observed in the group with larger tumors over an average follow-up period of 4.4 years.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of lumpectomy in tumors smaller than 4 cm according to the study?
  2. Can lumpectomy be an effective treatment option for larger DCIS tumors?
  3. Were there any cases of local recurrence in the group with larger tumors during the follow-up period?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumpectomy is to discuss the size of the tumor with their healthcare team. Patients with larger tumors may still be candidates for lumpectomy, but they may need to be prepared for the possibility of additional surgeries. It’s important to have open and honest communication with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.

Suitable For

Patients with smaller DCIS tumors (less than 4 cm) are typically recommended lumpectomy as it has a higher success rate in this group. However, lumpectomy can also be a viable option for patients with larger DCIS tumors, especially those smaller than 6 cm, although additional surgeries may be needed in these cases. Overall, lumpectomy can be considered as a breast-conserving surgery option for many patients with DCIS, regardless of tumor size.

Timeline

Before lumpectomy:

  • Patient undergoes imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs to diagnose the tumor
  • Biopsy is performed to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the type
  • Consultation with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including lumpectomy
  • Pre-operative preparations such as blood tests, physical exam, and possibly radiation therapy or chemotherapy

After lumpectomy:

  • Recovery period in the hospital or at home, with pain medication and follow-up appointments
  • Pathology report to confirm that all cancerous tissue was removed
  • Possible additional treatments such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy
  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications

Overall, lumpectomy is a less invasive option compared to mastectomy and can be successful in removing cancerous tissue while preserving the breast. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment for their specific situation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of lumpectomy compared to other treatment options for DCIS?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lumpectomy?
  3. How likely is it that I will need additional surgeries after a lumpectomy for a larger DCIS tumor?
  4. What is the success rate of lumpectomy for larger DCIS tumors, particularly those 4 cm or larger?
  5. How long is the recovery process after a lumpectomy for DCIS?
  6. Will I need radiation therapy or other treatments after a lumpectomy for DCIS?
  7. What are the chances of the DCIS coming back after a lumpectomy for a larger tumor?
  8. How will a lumpectomy for DCIS affect my long-term breast health and risk of future breast cancer?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after a lumpectomy for DCIS?
  10. What follow-up care and monitoring will be needed after a lumpectomy for DCIS?

Reference

Authors: Padilla DB, Tsai J, Beck AS, Wapnir IL. Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2025 May;211(1):51-58. doi: 10.1007/s10549-025-07621-w. Epub 2025 Feb 10. PMID: 39928263