[Reasons for conservative treatment in breast cancer]

We analyze 112 patients with breast conservative treatment operated in our clinic in the last 5 years. Breast preservation surgery represented 30.35% of all cases treated for breast cancer in this interval of time. In other 63 situations conservative treatment was attempted but finally given up due to justified motivations and decision for mastectomy was adopted as optimal. Rigorous selection of patients for conservative surgery was our care. Tumor size, excisional margins, nodal status were the main criteria. Correlation with breast volume, age, patient's opinion were also important. Preservation of breast in women interested and cosmetic results were the purposes of our attitude. Breast conserving therapy may be indicated only respecting the oncological principles and close surveillance of patients is obligatory.