Alternatives to Mastectomy in Cape Verde
The main alternative to mastectomy is lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery. The best option depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the breast cancer.
Lumpectomy
During a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue while keeping most of the breast.
It may be considered when:
- The tumor is relatively small compared with the breast.
- Cancer is limited to one area.
- The surgeon can remove the cancer with clear margins.
- The patient can safely receive radiation therapy afterward.
For many early breast cancers, lumpectomy followed by radiation can provide survival outcomes similar to mastectomy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is often given after lumpectomy. It helps destroy cancer cells that may remain in the breast and lowers the risk of the cancer returning in that breast.
Radiation may also be recommended after mastectomy for some patients with higher-risk disease.
Chemotherapy or Other Drug Treatments
Depending on the cancer type and test results, doctors may recommend:
- Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
- Hormone therapy for hormone-receptor-positive cancer.
- Targeted therapy for cancers with specific markers such as HER2.
- Immunotherapy for selected types of breast cancer.
These treatments may sometimes be given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make breast-conserving surgery possible.
When Mastectomy May Still Be Preferred
Mastectomy may be recommended when:
- There are multiple areas of cancer in the breast.
- The tumor is large compared with breast size.
- Cancer is inflammatory.
- Cancer remains after previous breast-conserving surgery.
- The breast has previously received radiation.
- Clear surgical margins cannot be achieved safely.
- The patient cannot receive radiation therapy.
- The patient prefers mastectomy after discussing the options.
What About Cape Verde?
The availability of lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted treatments can vary between healthcare facilities in Cape Verde. Patients should confirm that the chosen center has the required breast surgery, pathology, oncology, and radiation services before deciding on treatment.
Overall: Mastectomy is not the only option for many breast cancer patients. Lumpectomy plus radiation is an important alternative for suitable early-stage cases, while chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be added based on the cancer's characteristics. The final choice should be made with a breast surgeon and oncology team after reviewing biopsy and imaging results.
