[Mammary carcinoma (author's transl)].

The new discoveries concerning mammary carcinoma promise hope and offer surgeons a demanding challenge. Many more opportunities can now be offered to patients suffering from this dreaded disease, including new diagnostic methods, a wide range of operations, various adjuvant applications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a wholly new armamentarium of hormonal and chemical approaches to advanced disease, cosmetic reconstruction, and gentle terminal care. Some of the new findings are true breakthroughs, others remain mirages. Especially in the choice of the type of mastectomy, surgeons must be cautious: The new is not necessarily the best.