Our Summary

This study looked at whether using radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a method of using heat to destroy cancer cells, after breast conservative surgery (BCS), often called a lumpectomy, can help make sure there are no remaining cancer cells at the surgical edges. This is important as it can reduce the chance of the cancer coming back and prevent the need for further surgery.

The study included 40 patients who had RFA after their lumpectomy and compared them to another 40 patients who only had the lumpectomy. The researchers checked the edges of the surgically removed tissue to see if there were any cancer cells left after using RFA. They also looked at how many patients needed another operation, any problems after surgery, and how well the surgical area healed in terms of appearance.

They found that after using RFA, the surgical edges were more likely to be free of cancer cells. Additionally, none of the patients who had RFA needed another operation, compared to 12% of the patients who only had the lumectomy. They also found no difference in problems after surgery or in how well the surgical area healed between the two groups.

So, the study suggests that using RFA after lumpectomy is a safe and effective way to make sure all the cancer is removed and to reduce the need for additional surgery, without causing more problems after surgery or affecting the appearance of the surgical area.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in breast conservative surgery (BCS)?
  2. How does the use of RFA after lumpectomy impact the reoperation rate and the rate of postoperative complications?
  3. What effect does RFA have on the cosmetic results post-lumpectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about lumpectomy is to consider radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after the procedure. RFA can help ensure that surgical margins are tumor-free, reducing the need for reoperation and improving outcomes. It is a safe and effective procedure that can help prevent local recurrence of breast cancer.

Suitable For

Patients with early-stage breast cancer who are undergoing lumpectomy are typically recommended radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of surgical margins to obtain tumor-free margins and decrease the need for reoperation. This procedure is safe, effective, and does not compromise cosmetic results.

Timeline

  • Before lumpectomy:
  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy to confirm the presence of a breast tumor.
  2. Treatment options are discussed with the patient, including lumpectomy as a breast-conserving surgery option.
  3. Preoperative consultations and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for lumpectomy.
  4. Surgical consent is obtained from the patient.
  5. Patient undergoes lumpectomy procedure to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
  • After lumpectomy:
  1. Pathology report is generated to analyze the margins of the excised tissue for the presence of tumor cells.
  2. If tumor cells are found at the margins, the patient may require a reoperation to obtain clear margins.
  3. In some cases, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be used after lumpectomy to target any remaining tumor cells in the surgical margins.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and assess the cosmetic results of the surgery.
  5. Patient may undergo additional treatments such as radiation therapy or hormone therapy, depending on the characteristics of the tumor.
  6. Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to provide ongoing support for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a lumpectomy and why is it recommended for my specific situation?
  2. How do you ensure that the surgical margins are free of cancer cells during a lumpectomy?
  3. What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and how does it help in obtaining tumor-free margins after lumpectomy?
  4. What are the potential benefits of undergoing RFA after lumpectomy?
  5. What are the potential risks or complications associated with RFA after lumpectomy?
  6. How will undergoing RFA after lumpectomy affect my overall treatment plan and recovery?
  7. What is the success rate of obtaining tumor-free margins with RFA compared to without it?
  8. What is the likelihood of needing a reoperation after lumpectomy with RFA compared to without it?
  9. How will RFA affect the cosmetic results of my breast after lumpectomy?
  10. Are there any alternative methods or treatments available to ensure tumor-free margins after lumpectomy?

Reference

Authors: Jiménez Mazure C, Ribeiro González M, Soto Aguilar C, Hidalgo Martín MT, Jiménez Fernández AJ, Ferrer González MA, Pulido Roa Y, Santoyo Santoyo J. Journal: Cir Esp (Engl Ed). 2020 Oct;98(8):472-477. doi: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2020.01.010. Epub 2020 Mar 17. PMID: 32192688