Primary management of operable breast cancer by minimal surgery and radiotherapy

109 cases of breast cancer were treated by tumorectomy and radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Almost 30% with small tumors (T1, T2) were considered inoperable for medical reasons and 70% refused mastectomy. Over the past five years the number of patients refusing mastectomy has definitely increased. 59 cases of surgically resectable cancers (T1, T2, T3, N0, N1) had a minimum followup of two years (average 4 years +/- 3 months). Absolute and determinate survivals NED were 65% and 86%. There were four local recurrences (8%). Secondary mastectomy could be performed on three. Microscopic involvement of the surgical margin by cancer did not alter the local control rate. The cosmetic results were good in 98%. Gross removal of the tumor followed by radiotherapy may be offered as an alternative to mastectomy in patients with operable breast cancer.