The functional results following primary treatment of breast cancer with breast conservation.

Forty-seven patients who had local excision ('lumpectomy') and radical radiotherapy for carcinoma of the breast in 1982 were assessed at 1 year for the functional result. The appearance of both breast was identical in 34%, while in 10% serious distortion had occurred. No matchline effect or severe telangiectasia were seen, and no patient had arm oedema, restricted arm movements or severe pain. The results were not significantly better (1) following iridium implantation than external boost, (2) after periareolar rather than other incisions, and (3) in patients with small and medium rather than large breasts.