A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman with ER-positive, HER2-negative stage I breast cancer completes breast-conserving surgery with clear margins and a negative sentinel node biopsy. What is the standard adjuvant radiotherapy protocol?
- A No radiotherapy is required after complete excision
- B Chest wall irradiation with supraclavicular boost
- C Whole breast irradiation only ✓
- D MammoSite brachytherapy to tumor bed alone without whole breast irradiation
Correct answer: C. Whole breast irradiation only
Explanation
After breast-conserving surgery, whole breast irradiation is standard to reduce local recurrence. Chest wall irradiation with nodal boost is indicated after mastectomy for high-risk features. Omitting radiotherapy entirely increases recurrence risk significantly. Partial breast irradiation is investigational and not standard for all patients.
Reference: Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.