[Mammography after breast-preserving therapy of breast cancer]

Follow-up after tumorectomy and intensive irradiation for carcinoma of the breast creates new diagnostic problems. In particular, more experience is necessary about the value of mammography. We have therefore analysed the mammograms of 104 patients intensively followed over one to eight years after primary treatment. Changes in the appearances of the breast due to irradiation are compared with mammographic changes caused by recurrence of tumor. It can be shown that definite structural patterns can be recognised regularly. Optimal diagnosis of recurrencies, however, is only possible by comparing all follow-up mammograms, and additionally the pre-operative films. Close cooperation between the surgeon, radiotherapist and diagnostic radiologist is essential.