Size of invasive breast cancer and risk of local recurrence after breast-conservation therapy

Risk of local recurrence is one important factor that determines a woman's suitability for breast-conservation therapy. With the evolution of oncoplastic surgery, tumours of a size that traditionally require mastectomy may be treated by breast conservation and partial breast reconstruction. This article reviews the evidence relating to tumour size as a risk factor for local recurrence to assess whether this change in practice is appropriate. A literature review through Medline and Pubmed was performed. All pathological studies analysing tumour size as a predictor of multifocality and all randomised trials and large case series of breast conservation including tumours larger than 2 cm were reviewed and critically interpreted. Pathological studies report consistent evidence that tumour size is not predictive of multifocality. Randomised trials and clinical series of breast conservation report conflicting evidence relating to tumour size as a risk factor for local recurrence, although most studies report no association. Evidence relating to cancers over 3 cm is limited. There is little evidence to justify the use of tumour size alone as an exclusion criterion for breast-conservation therapy. A registration study of patients with cancers larger than 3 cm treated by breast conservation with or without partial breast reconstruction is proposed.