Introduction Management of the axilla has been a key aspect of care of breast cancer patients for decades. It is well established from randomised controlled trials, such as the NSABP B-04, that axillary dissection does not improve survival, but the…
Introduction Performing a mastectomy can be accomplished using a wide variety of techniques, depending on the clinical setting. Any mastectomy should be sensitive to the aims and principles of oncoplastic breast surgery, namely that optimal treatment of the malignancy should…
Introduction The evidence supporting breast conserving surgery is a better option than mastectomy (with or without reconstruction) for those who are suitable is compelling. As such, every effort should be made to offer it. Whilst simple wide local excision for…
Introduction The aim of local treatment of breast cancer is to achieve long-term local disease control with the minimum of local morbidity. The majority of women presenting symptomatically to breast clinics and those who are diagnosed through screening programmes have…
Introduction Population-based cancer screening is a complex public health undertaking that is most effective when performed in the context of a programme with defined standards that targets a specific population at risk in a given geographical area with a significant…
Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new invasive cancers diagnosed in 2020 ( Fig. 5.1 ). In the United Kingdom, where the age-standardised incidence is one of the highest…
Introduction The features of a breast cancer on routinely fixed, processed and stained histopathological sections provide, not only the basis for diagnosis of the disease, but also invaluable prognostic information. Predictive biomarkers are subsequently assessed on the tissue facilitating selection…
Introduction Over 90% of patients presenting to a breast clinic have normal breasts or benign breast disease. Knowledge of and an understanding of the benign conditions that can affect the breast, the symptoms they cause and their management will ensure…
Patients with breast concerns that cannot be adequately managed in primary care should be referred to a specialist breast clinic. This has traditionally been run by surgeons but is now a multidisciplinary enterprise. These clinics can perform a combination of…
The breast is a defining characteristic of mammals. Its fundamental purpose is to produce milk, but the appearance and sensation provided by breasts give them a huge role in female personal and sexual identity. Surgical and other therapeutic interventions on…