Which of the following is regarded as an absolute contraindication to breast conserving surgery followed by whole breast radiotherapy?
- A A 3 cm tumour in a C cup breast
- B Age above 70 years
- C Previous therapeutic irradiation to the breast or chest wall region ✓
- D Oestrogen receptor positive tumour biology
Correct answer: C. Previous therapeutic irradiation to the breast or chest wall region
Explanation
Prior irradiation to the same field, classically mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma, precludes delivering a further radical course to the breast, making conservation with radiotherapy contraindicated and favouring mastectomy. Advanced age is not a contraindication, a 3 cm tumour in an adequate volume breast is suitable after oncoplastic planning, and receptor positivity has no bearing on surgical choice.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.