Primary therapy for limited breast cancer. Surgical techniques

Surgical techniques for breast cancer patients with early stages of disease are discussed. In situ cancers (LCIS, microscopic DCIS, and gross DCIS) present different risks and natural histories, and thus different treatment options are advised. For Stage I and earlier Stage II patients, either modified radical mastectomy or breast preservation with limited resection, axillary dissection, and subsequent breast irradiation are described. Immediate (or delayed) breast reconstruction offers other options for mastectomy patients.