tumor bed
Anatomical site where breast tumor was located, marked for radiation therapy planning after surgical excision.
Full Definition
The tumor bed refers to the anatomical location where a breast tumor was situated before surgical removal. After lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, the tumor bed is identified and marked with surgical clips or other markers to guide radiation therapy planning and delivery. Accurate tumor bed identification is crucial for targeted radiation therapy, as this area has the highest risk of local recurrence. The tumor bed boost is a common radiation technique where this specific area receives additional radiation dose beyond the whole breast treatment. Imaging studies and surgical clips help radiation oncologists precisely delineate the tumor bed for treatment planning.
Usage
Usage note: Reference surgical clips or markers when describing tumor bed location.
In Context
- "Surgical clips were placed to clearly demarcate the tumor bed for subsequent radiation therapy planning." — Operative note
- "The tumor bed boost will deliver an additional 10 Gy to the high-risk lumpectomy site." — Radiation oncology plan