[Surgical treatment in premalignant lesions of the breast (author's transl)].

Established predisposition to developing of breast cancer is indicative of subcutaneous mastectomy. Subcutaneous mastectomy means a radical biopsy. Histological examination produces the best result by excluding a possible breast cancer in premalignant lesions. When a malignant tumour has been detected the operation can easily be extended to a more radical procedure (Halsted mastectomy). Subcutaneous mastectomy means a radical procedure of treating breast cancer--even with optimal cosmetic results. Early complications are rare, the late results are excellent.