Breast conserving surgery and radiation as a choice for patients with BRCA mutations

Patients who are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and who test positive for the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genetic mutations have been considered better candidates for bilateral mastectomy (ipsilateral therapeutic and contralateral prophylactic) as an accepted standard of care as compared to breast conserving surgery. Recently the increasing evidence that mastectomy may not be required has prompted us to review the literature and develop evidence-based recommendations in order to allow patients the option of mastectomy avoidance as long as they are well-informed and agreeable to close surveillance.