[Recurrences after conservative radiosurgical treatment of breast cancer]

From 1960 to 1989, 154 cases of recurrent breast cancer after conservative radiosurgery were treated at the Curie Institute. Relapse was discovered at clinical examination in 88% of the cases and mammography was only useful in 45%. In 18 cases (12%) an unpalpable tumour was discovered at mammography, especially for intragalactophoric tumors. Cytopuncture yielded a precise diagnosis in 83% of the cases. Overall survival rate after recurrence was 72% at 5 years (62% without metastasis). Survival rate was better for late recurrence, and poorer in cases with subclinical axillary invasion. Neither age nor type of treatment had any effect on survival. Indications for general associated treatment are based on: the invasive character of the recurrent tumour, axillary invasion, tumour size and delay to recurrence after initial surgery.