Breast Cancer

This advanced interactive workshop explores the latest evidence-based practices in breast cancer surgery, emphasising a multidisciplinary approach. Educational methods include hands-on training with synthetic models, video discussions, case studies, mock MDT sessions, and plenary lectures. Key topics cover advanced surgical techniques such as nipple- and skin-sparing mastectomy, axillary management, breast reconstruction, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, breast conservation, DCIS, and treatment of young and special patient groups.

The ESSO Advanced Course on Oncoplastic Breast Surgery intends to address and explore a variety of topics, from principles, indications, surgical planning and decision making to operative techniques and complication management of oncoplastic breast conservation and reconstrcution. The course will focus on safe delivery of oncoplastic procedures, avoidance and management of complications in an interactive stimulating environment. It will provide a practical, workshop-based approach for surgeons to achieve the best aesthetic results in breast cancer surgery without compromising oncological outcomes. It will include specific tips and advice on prevention and management of surgical pitfalls and complications.

Organised yearly, this course equips participants with both foundational and advanced knowledge of ultrasound techniques in breast cancer surgery, focusing on the use of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in clinical and outpatient settings. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, hands-on training with phantom models, live demonstrations, and case-based discussions, participants will learn to perform ultrasound-guided procedures, apply alternative localisation techniques, and assess margins with greater precision. The course aims to build confidence and surgical accuracy, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in breast surgery.

This masterclass is organised every year and it covers state-of-the-art minimally invasive breast surgery, focusing on robotic and endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. It addresses indications, patient selection, technical aspects - including live surgery, console techniques, and robotic setup - as well as complication prevention and management. The course also reviews research, outcomes, benefits, and cost efficiency through lectures, video presentations, live demonstrations, surgeries, and hands-on workshops.

This interactive in-person programme equips young surgeons with core knowledge and skills in surgical oncology. Organised once per year, this course provides a solid foundation in cancer biology, prevention, surgical techniques, and the role of the surgical oncologist within a multidisciplinary team. Through plenary lectures and discussion sessions, participants will explore cancer progression, early diagnosis, multimodal treatment strategies, and ethical, patient-centred care. The course also emphasises cancer screening and prevention, with reference to the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, offering tools that enhance both clinical efficiency and patient care. In this hands-on workshop which is organised once per year, interested surgeons and radiologists will explore how AI works, learn to train models for real-world applications, and apply their medical expertise to develop practical solutions using clinical data, images, and reports. This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to AI in medicine, covering model types, tasks, real-world use cases, and the role of clinical expertise. Participants will use Python tools to work with public datasets, analyse medical images, and create 3D organ models for surgical planning. The course includes plenary lectures and practical exercises.

Organised once every 2 years, this course offers essential and advanced insights into fluorescence-guided surgery. It is focusing on tumour and lymphatic imaging, sentinel lymph node detection, visualisation of vital structures (bile ducts, ureters, nerves), and tissue perfusion assessment. Participants will explore both standard and targeted imaging agents (e.g., antibody-, peptide-, nanobody-based) and gain practical experience in open, laparoscopic, and robotic settings. Hands-on sessions using different fluorophores and imaging systems are complemented by plenary lectures on key topics, including lymphatic and tumour imaging, perfusion assessment, and intraoperative navigation of vital structures.

Bringing together more than 1,000 surgeons, oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals from over 70 countries, the UEMS/EACCME-accredited ESSO Annual Congress provides a global platform for education, collaboration, and innovation in Surgical Oncology. Each dedicated tumour site track delivers comprehensive, evidence-based updates on site-specific cancer management within a multidisciplinary context.