Current concepts in the management of breast cancer.

Current trials are aimed at determining whether less radical surgery or irradiation is equivalent to radical or modified radical mastectomy. Axillary node involvement is the most reliable indicator of prognosis. Patients with axillary node involvement and no other detectable disease should be considered for adjuvant chemotherapy. Steroid receptor analysis furnishes valuable information on prognosis and aids in treatment planning. Hormonal manipulation and/or combination chemotherapy can offer significant prolongation of life and amelioration of symptoms in many patients with advanced disease.