title: Breast-conserving treatment for stage I and II cancer. Tumour excision, axillary dissection, peri-operative interstitial irradiation, with or without peri-operative chemotherapy, followed by breast irradiation--the Tygerberg Hospital experience.
abstract: Since 1984 breast-conserving treatment has been the treatment of choice for patients at Tygerberg Hospital with early breast cancer. Peri-operative interstitial brachytherapy in breast cancer is described in detail. In the 221 patients treated (225 breasts), 197 breasts received iridium implants and 26 patients received peri-operative chemotherapy (POPFAC). There were 6 recurrences in treated breasts, 3 within the booster area and 3 outside. There were 5 salvage mastectomies, and 1 patient was treated by excision and radiotherapy. Metastases developed in 27 patients. Two patients underwent mastectomy for severe radiation changes and 7 developed postoperative wound infection after POPFAC. Five patients, who had re-excisions and prolonged seroma formation, developed delayed wound infection after POPFAC. Five patients, who had re-excisions and prolonged seroma formation, developed delayed wound infection. The importance of mammography, patient selection, tumour-free margins and radiation dosage are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Stellenbosch, Parowvallei, CP.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Van Zyl
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Muller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001365:Axilla; D001918:Brachytherapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local