[Bilateral carcinoma of the breast]

Bilateral breast cancer is examined in the light of the literature data and a personal series. Lobular, asynchronous forms, either in situ or infiltrating, are usually involved. The fact that in situ changes are often found in the second neoplasia, with metastases solely in its tributary lymph nodes, suggests that such carcinoma was already present at the time of the first operation, though not clinically detectable. Since bilateral forms are commonly hormone-dependent, multiple biopsies should be routine on the contralateral breast. Preventive mastectomy associated with ovariectomy shold be performed on the slightest sign of carcinomatous or even precancerous alterations.