Why is radiation recommended after the tumor is surgically removed?
Surgery to remove the tumor and preserve the remaining breast tissue is called a lumpectomy. Radiation treatment is given to destroy any remaining microscopic deposits of cancer in and around the site of surgery. The combination of lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is considered equal to mastectomy, or removal of the entire breast. If radiation is omitted following lumpectomy alone, there is a high likelihood of cancer recurrence in the breast.
