[Conservative primary operation of carcinoma of the breast: subcutaneous mastectomy, lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy (author's transl)].

So-called nipple-preserving operations were performed as primary treatment of mammary carcinoma, predominantly in stage T1, in 135 women. The operation consisted of subcutaneous mastectomy, axillary lymphadenectomy, nipple biopsy and X-ray therapy. Most of the patients in whom more than two lymph nodes had carcinomatous changes also received chemotherapy. Survival of more than five years was achieved in 48 patients in stage T1. One woman died of carcinoma; in six there was further growth with metastases. In no case was there further growth in the nipple region. Although the numbers are small one can already state that the results are no worse than after more radical operations.