[How 67 carcinomas of the breast with a maximal microscopic diameter of 10 mm were recognized]

67 breast cancers with a maximum diameter of up to 10 mm on the histological section were retrospectively analysed according to the primary situation for medical consultation and the way to cancer diagnosis. 46 women presented themselves with clinical signs. 19 women had an anamnestical risk, whereas only two women were without any risks or symptoms. 34 tumourspecific clinical signs are followed by 25 tumourspecific mammograms. Eight small invasive carcinomas were detected only under the microscope, two of them in mastectomy specimens. Even small cancers, therefore, are mostly diagnosed from the patients themselves. The contribution of mammography is tremendous. Intensified systematic histological examination of biopsies and mastectomy specimens is mandatory especially in high risk patients.