[Surgical therapy of breast cancer]

The surgeon's leading role which he plays in the changing concept of primary breast cancer treatment is described. To apply breast conserving therapy a number of prerequisites must be fulfilled. As compared to mastectomy, there are still a number of problems connected with this treatment modality. Therefore, it remains doubtful whether the latter can already be regarded as standard treatment. For the future, reducing breast cancer mortality as well as treatment individualization remain the major goals.