[The diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast in relation to growth rate (author's transl)].

The doubling time (DT) was estimated quantitatively for 16 carcinomas of the breast according to the method described by Collins and co-workers in 1956. This is based on the concept of constant and exponential growth. Observation interval for these mammographically confirmed tumors was between 83 and 1,034 days. The DT was calculated to vary from 45 to 260 days; in order to reach a diameter of 1 cm. after 30 divisions would require a period of 3.7 to 21.4 years. Mammography frequently demonstrates small, clinically occult, tumours. Axillary lymph node metastases are relatively rare from small tumours; growth rate of 70% of breast carcinomas in such that an annual clinical and radiological check-up will prove to be the best means of reducing mortality from carcinoma of the breast. The risk inherent in the radiation resulting from annual mammography is acceptable in women over 35 years. This leaves the problem of rapidly growing carcinomas which would escape early diagnosis by early examinations. Half-yearly examinations of women in high risk groups (1. Previous mastectomy for carcinoma, 2. Biopsy-proven mastopathy with atypical proliferation) comprising about 30% of carcinomas with a short doubling time would appear to be reasonable.