[Pre- and postoperative irradiation of the mammary carcinoma]

There are different indications for the pre-, per- and postoperative treatment of mammary carcinomas with certain or doubtful operability. Based on clinical examinations, the clinical effect of pre- and postoperative irradiation on the incidence of loco-regional recurrences and distant metastases is explained. The resulting therapy suggestions are discussed. Instead of radical surgery or modified radical surgery in case of subclinical and little carcinomas less than 3 cm, a simple ablation of the tumor with adequate subsequent irradiation is recommended. The therapy results of conservative treatments published hitherto are presented.