The full form of BCT in a hospital setting is Breast Conserving Therapy.
Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT) Explained
Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT) is a surgical approach to treating breast cancer. Instead of removing the entire breast (mastectomy), BCT aims to remove only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue, preserving most of the breast. This is often followed by radiation therapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells.
Key Aspects of BCT
- Surgical Removal: The cancerous lump (tumor) is surgically removed. This procedure is also known as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy.
- Radiation Therapy: After surgery, radiation therapy is typically administered to the remaining breast tissue to kill any residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Goal: The primary goal of BCT is to achieve the same cancer control as a mastectomy while preserving the breast's appearance.
- Eligibility: Not all patients are suitable candidates for BCT. Factors such as tumor size, location, and the presence of multiple tumors can influence the suitability of BCT.
Other Relevant Hospital Abbreviations (from reference)
While discussing hospital abbreviations, here are some others mentioned in the provided reference:
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Context |
|---|---|---|
| BCT | Breast Conserving Therapy | Surgical treatment for breast cancer |
| MIR | Mortality/Incidence Ratio | A metric used in health statistics |
| NHF | National Health Fund | An organization related to healthcare funding |
