What are the treatment options available for a breast mass after neoadjuvant therapy?

After neoadjuvant therapy, the management of a breast mass is influenced by several factors, including the tumor size, response to treatment, and the patient's preferences. The key consideration in this scenario is the possibility of performing breast-conserving surgery, which can be an appropriate option if the tumor shows a significant response to neoadjuvant therapy and is of a size that allows for resectable margins.

Breast conservation therapy typically includes a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. If, following the neoadjuvant treatment, the tumor size has decreased sufficiently and allows for clear surgical margins, breast conservation may be the preferred option. Alternatively, if the tumor remains large, or if there are concerns about achieving adequate margins, mastectomy may be necessary.

This nuanced approach allows for individualized treatment plans that prioritize both oncologic safety and quality of life, based on how the tumor responds to the neoadjuvant therapy. Thus, breast conservation therapy or mastectomy, depending on tumor size and the patient's situation, is a justified and commonly accepted option following neoadjuvant therapy.