OCCULT CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST

Abstract

Considerable emphasis has been placed on early diagnosis as a major weapon in the fight against breast cancer, and, certainly, if breast cancer is detected early, a favorable outcome may be expected. Follow-up studies show that radical mastectomy for cancer performed prior to axillary lymph node involvement results in three times as many five-year survivals as when operation is delayed until the nodes have been invaded. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to detect breast cancer early. The usual method of detection is still the physicial examination. Although interesting experimental work is being done in diagnosis by radioactive phosphorus and roentgen rays, laboratory methods of detecting breast cancer preoperatively are not yet practical, and therefore it is necessary to depend almost entirely on clinical examination. In the management of breast lesions, we have used the concept of a "dominant lump" as introduced by Haagensen and Stout.¹The term "dominant