Lumpectomy with BioZorb Marker

# What Is Lumpectomy with BioZorb?

Lumpectomy is a breast-conserving surgery that removes the cancer and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue, preserving most of your breast. BioZorb is an innovative marker technology that enhances the lumpectomy procedure.

Here's how it works: After removing the cancer, Dr. Schwartz places a BioZorb device (a 3D bioabsorbable scaffold) in the cavity where the tumor was. BioZorb serves multiple important functions:

• Radiation targeting: When your radiation oncologist plans your radiation therapy (if recommended), BioZorb makes it much easier to identify the exact tumor bed location. This enables more precise radiation targeting and often allows for smaller radiation fields.
• Gradual resorption: Over the following 6–12 months, the BioZorb scaffold is naturally resorbed (absorbed) by your body.
• Titanium clips remain: Inside the BioZorb are small titanium clips that remain permanently. These are visible on mammography and help radiologists and clinicians locate the surgical site during long-term surveillance.
• No additional surgery needed: The resorption is a natural biological process. No surgery is required to remove or replace the device.

The result? You have breast-conserving cancer treatment with enhanced radiation planning capabilities, and long-term anatomic markers for follow-up surveillance.

# How BioZorb Works: The Technology

BioZorb combines innovative biomaterial science with practical benefits for cancer surgery and radiation therapy.

BioZorb is constructed as a 3D scaffold made from bioabsorbable polymer. Inside the scaffold are multiple titanium clips (radiopaque markers). Here's what happens:

• Immediately after placement: The BioZorb scaffold occupies the space where the cancer was. Your radiation oncologist can clearly see it on imaging and can precisely contour the radiation field around it.
• First few weeks: The scaffold provides structural support and maintains the cavity anatomy as healing begins.
• Weeks to months: Over approximately 6–12 months, the bioabsorbable material is naturally broken down and resorbed by the body through normal biological processes.
• Long-term: The titanium clips remain permanently visible on mammography and imaging, providing permanent markers of the surgical site for future surveillance.

This means you get the benefits of an excellent marker for radiation planning, plus permanent anatomic markers for breast cancer surveillance—all without an additional procedure.

# Who Is a Candidate for Lumpectomy with BioZorb?

You may be a candidate for lumpectomy with BioZorb if you have early-stage breast cancer and meet certain criteria related to tumor characteristics and breast conservation principles.

Ideal candidates typically include:

• Early-stage cancer: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) or Stage I–II invasive breast cancer.
• Single tumor: One primary cancer site (though multifocal tumors can sometimes be managed with extended lumpectomy).
• Good tumor-to-breast ratio: The tumor size is small enough relative to breast size that removing it with adequate margins leaves an acceptable cosmetic result.
• No contraindications to radiation: You're a candidate to receive radiation therapy if recommended. (Radiation is often recommended after lumpectomy.)
• Ability to undergo radiation: You're willing and able to complete the recommended course of radiation therapy, typically given over 3–6 weeks.
• Adequate follow-up capability: You can commit to long-term mammographic surveillance and follow-up appointments.

If you're not a suitable candidate for lumpectomy, Dr. Schwartz will discuss mastectomy options with reconstruction. He'll help you understand which approach is best for your individual cancer and anatomy.

# What to Expect: Step-by-Step

Understanding your surgical journey from consultation through radiation planning helps you feel prepared and confident.

1. Consultation with Dr. Schwartz: Dr. Schwartz reviews your cancer diagnosis, imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, and/or MRI), and pathology. He examines your breasts and discusses whether lumpectomy is appropriate for you. He explains how BioZorb enhances the procedure and shows imaging examples of how the marker helps radiation planning. He discusses expected cosmetic outcome and answers all your questions.
2. Imaging-Guided Localization Planning: Before surgery, the radiologist and Dr. Schwartz determine the best surgical approach. If the tumor is not easily palpable (not felt by hand), an imaging-guided localization wire or radioactive seed may be placed on the day of surgery to guide Dr. Schwartz to the exact location.
3. Pre-operative Preparation: You'll have pre-operative lab work and a surgical clearance exam. You'll receive fasting instructions and be asked to stop certain medications (particularly blood thinners) before surgery. You'll arrange for someone to drive you home.
4. The Surgery: Under general anesthesia, Dr. Schwartz removes the cancer with appropriate margins of healthy tissue. The removed tissue is sent to pathology to confirm adequate margins (negative margins). Sentinel lymph nodes are biopsied if indicated. After confirming the tumor is removed, Dr. Schwartz places the BioZorb device in the surgical cavity. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures. The surgery typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Most patients go home the same day.
5. Pathology Review: The pathology report will confirm that the cancer was removed with adequate margins and describe the tumor characteristics (grade, hormone receptor status, HER2 status, etc.). This information guides decisions about additional therapy.
6. Recovery (First 1–2 Weeks): You'll have some soreness, bruising, and swelling at the surgical site. Pain is usually mild to moderate and managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most people return to light activities and work within a few days. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and lifting above shoulder height for 1–2 weeks. Wear a supportive bra to minimize movement and discomfort.
7. Follow-up Appointments: You'll see Dr. Schwartz about 1–2 weeks after surgery to check your healing. At 4–6 weeks, you'll have your final surgical follow-up. At this point, if radiation is recommended, you'll be referred to your radiation oncologist.
8. Radiation Planning and Treatment: If radiation is recommended (most common after lumpectomy), your radiation oncologist will use the BioZorb marker to precisely plan your radiation therapy. The marker makes it easy to identify the tumor bed, allowing for more targeted radiation planning. You'll typically receive radiation 5 days a week for 3–6 weeks, depending on your cancer stage and the radiation protocol recommended.

# BioZorb vs. Standard Lumpectomy Markers

While standard lumpectomy can be performed with simple titanium clips, BioZorb offers several specific advantages for radiation therapy and marker technology.

Both approaches are effective and appropriate for breast cancer treatment. BioZorb offers enhanced visualization for radiation planning, which can be especially valuable if you have a larger tumor or complex anatomy.

# Benefits of Lumpectomy with BioZorb

Choosing lumpectomy with BioZorb offers several specific advantages for breast-conserving cancer treatment.

# Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for lumpectomy and BioZorb marker placement is comprehensive because both are medically necessary components of breast cancer treatment.

What's Covered:

• Lumpectomy surgery (complete removal of tumor with adequate margins)
• Pathology evaluation of the surgical specimen
• BioZorb marker device and placement
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (if indicated)
• Anesthesia and facility costs
• Post-operative follow-up visits (1–2 weeks and 4–6 weeks after surgery)

You'll typically pay a standard copayment or deductible per your insurance plan. Our billing team verifies your coverage before surgery and discusses any out-of-pocket costs. Pre-authorization is usually required, and our office handles this process for you.

# Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Your lumpectomy is one component of your comprehensive cancer treatment. Dr. Schwartz coordinates with your entire cancer care team.

Your complete care team may include:

• Breast surgeon (Dr. Schwartz): Performs lumpectomy and coordinates surgical care.
• Radiation oncologist: Plans and delivers radiation therapy if recommended, using the BioZorb marker for precise targeting.
• Medical oncologist: Plans systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy) if needed based on your cancer characteristics.
• Breast radiologist: Provides imaging guidance and long-term surveillance mammography.
• Geneticist or genetic counselor: If genetic testing is indicated based on your cancer type or family history.

Dr. Schwartz works collaboratively with all team members to ensure your surgery is coordinated with your complete cancer treatment plan.

# Frequently Asked Questions

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