[Comparative clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of modified radical mastectomy and organ-preserving therapy in localized breast cancer (pT1-2N0M0)].

The outcome of 320 patients with breast tumors was followed. Modified total mastectomy with subsequent irradiation, chemo- and/or hormone therapy was given to 164 patients. Limb-saving surgery was performed in 156. Incidence of locally advanced recurrences did not differ significantly in the two groups--3.7 and 5.5%, respectively. Nor did 5-year overall (90 +/- 1.4% and 88.4% +/- 1.6%, respectively) and relapse-free survival (88.4 +/- 1.2% and 83.5 +/- 1.4%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Hence, mastectomy is not worth more than sparing treatment.