Objectives:
To describe the local control of breast cancer, including initial biopsy, lumpectomy or mastectomy, and sentinel node biopsy or axillary node dissection, and to discuss the role of radiation therapy following lumpectomy or mastectomy in advanced cancer.
Data Sources:
PubMed, Scopus, Cochran.
Conclusion:
The local treatment of breast cancer is an essential component of primary breast cancer treatment. Residual cancer cells may increase the risk of recurrent ipsilateral disease.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Nurses and advanced practice nurses who provide care for cancer survivors should possess the skills to patiently teach information, empathetically understand the flagrant or suppressed emotional turmoil, explain the full complement of treatment options, appreciate the rationale behind choices made, and help patients navigate the educational and decisional byways.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...