Subcutaneous mastectomy with immediate reconstruction as treatment for early breast cancer.

Subcutaneous mastectomy and axillary dissection combined with immediate reconstruction was used to treat primary breast cancer in a consecutive series of 111 patients. Local recurrence occurred in 19 patients (17 per cent) during a mean follow-up of 30 (range 6-60) months. Complete control of local disease was achieved in all patients except one, who had terminal disease. Prophylactic radiotherapy was avoided for 83 per cent of patients, and good cosmetic results were obtained in 89 per cent. These results support the use of this technique in the treatment of early breast cancer.