Modern trends in the treatment of breast cancer.

Good cosmetic results after treatment of localized breast cancer can be achieved by breast conservative techniques for small tumors. These techniques are still in the experimental stage for tumors of 2 cm or more and in the presence of axillary nodes. Modified radical mastectomy is widely accepted as first choice surgical procedure: it is radical enough for cure and conservative enough for good functional and cosmetic results. It permits excellent secondary breast reconstruction, even after adjuvant radio- or chemotherapy.