[Mammary carcinoma]

Comments are made on controversial questions on the early recognition of mammary carcinoma with reference to the most important publications in the world literature and to our own experience. The decision between mastectomy and irradiation presupposes a histologically, cytologically, clinically or mammographically confirmed diagnosis. The extent of an operation must take cosmetic principles into consideration. Follow-up irradiation is unnecessary if no metastases are found in the axillary lymph nodes or in only one or two lymph nodes in the lowest layer near the mammary gland. Addional hormonal or cytostatic therapy does not improve the longterm results with all certainty.