The surgical management of primary invasive breast cancer

The treatment of operable primary breast cancer has evolved dramatically in the past few decades. The standard operative procedure has changed from the radical mastectomy to the modified radical mastectomy, and the use of breast-conserving treatment is increasing. This article reviews trends in treatment of early-stage breast cancer, factors associated with increased risk for local recurrence after breast-conserving treatment, and the use of axillary lymph node dissection.