DIAGNOSIS OF To CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST (A REPORT OF 74 CASES)

From 1978 through 1986, 74 cases (77 lesions) of T0 carcinoma of the breast were studied. All of these cases were treated with mastectomy. Pathologically, 52 cases (67.5%) were early carcinoma, including non-invasive (30), early invasive (19) and specific type (3). Axillary lymph node metastasis was present in 12.9% of the cases. Follow-up study revealed that 46 patients have been living and in good health for 3-5 years. For successful detection, the following prerequisites are indispensable: (1) physicians concerned must be aware of the new concept that most early breast carcinoma may not be palpable; (2) physicians must be well familiarized with the clinical manifestations of nonpalpable carcinoma of the breast; (3) any abnormalities of the breast must be thoroughly investigated until proven otherwise; and <4) combined diagnostic procedures must be used.