[Radiation therapy in breast carcinoma]

Strategies in treating breast cancer have been changed in the last years. In Stage I and early II radical operation techniques have been used not more. Today conservative methods are preferred in combination with axillary lymphonodectomy. This implies necessity of postoperative irradiation. Longterm results are not different between breast preserving methods and radical mastectomy. Cosmetic results can be excellent following high doses of radiation. Side effects are minimal and of non important clinical value. If there is a local recurrence or a second primary tumor, a secondary mastectomy can solve the problem in many cases.