What Is Breast Conserving Therapy? How It Works, Benefits & Side Effects

Breast conserving therapy is a modern way to treat early breast cancer. It is a treatment that spares most of the breast and removes cancer. This type of treatment is sometimes known as partial mastectomy or wide local excision. Many women feel more comfortable with this treatment in the knowledge that it has provided good results and keeps the breast looking as normal as it can be.

In breast conserving therapy, the doctor removes the cancer and some surrounding normal tissue. This helps make sure no cancer cells are left behind. Usually after surgery the woman needs to have radiation therapy. This helps kill any remaining cancer cells and lowers the chance of the cancer coming back. If a woman cannot have radiation for some reason then this therapy might not be suitable for her.


This the surgeon may incise the breast. The surgeon may also take a few lymph nodes from the armpit area to test them for signs that cancer has spread. All the removed tissue is looked at in the lab to see if any cancer cells are present.

The scar from the operation is generally small and barely visible. Many women feel that the breast still remains as size and shape are in most cases unchanged following the surgery.



It is an option for women who have small cancer in only one portion of the breast. The woman’s general health and age are also factors. The doctor looks at the size of the tumor where it is in the breast and the woman's medical history to decide if this therapy is right.

Women with certain conditions like large tumors in small breasts or cancer spread to many lymph nodes might need a different treatment. Also women who have had radiation in the past may not be able to have this therapy again.


Many women choose this therapy because it usually has similar chances of complete cure as more radical treatments like mastectomy . It aids women in preserving their breast and feeling good about the way they look. But it is worth noting that there is a small possibility the cancer could recur in the same breast.

That is why radiation after surgery is often recommended to lower this risk. The chance of side effects depends on each person and the size of the tumor but most women recover well and return to their normal life quickly.



Yes many research studies have shown that breast conserving therapy is safe and effective for women with early stage breast cancer. It offers similar survival chances compared to removing the entire breast especially when combined with radiation. It is a suitable alternative for patients who would otherwise retain their breast and are in good general medical health. You should consult with a physician for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Breast conserving therapy is a smart safe and popular way to treat early breast cancer. It helps women stay healthy and keep their breasts. If you or someone you know has breast cancer ask your doctor if this treatment can be the right choice. It is always best to get the right care to stay strong and fight cancer effectively.

1. What is breast conserving therapy?
   Breast cancer treatment that involves surgically removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue, while preserving the rest of the breast.
2. How to improve breast circulation?
   Regular exercise is the key for good circulation.