[Techniques of breast-conserving therapy in breast carcinoma]

Partial mastectomy usually has been subcategorized into lumpectomy, wide excision, or segmental mastectomy. This operation is generally used in tumors less than 4 cm in diameter. Local recurrences usually occur near the previous excision site and are reduced, if the initial resection margins are free of tumor. Partial mastectomy has obvious psychologic advantages for the patient but must be performed correctly to avoid unacceptable distortion of the breast. The axillary dissection should be done through a separate incision. The steps of the surgical procedure are described in detail.