BILATERAL PRIMARY BREAST-CANCER

Primary carcinoma of breast was treated in 967 patients from 1962-1972. Of these patients, 35 had a 2nd primary tumor of which 50% were discovered simultaneously. A family history for cancer was recorded in 26% of the patients with bilateral cancer. Patients found their tumor more often than the physician except in the simultaneous cases where the physician was more successful. Pathological examination showed that 10% of the tumors were comedo, lobular carcinoma in situ, papillary or tubular cancers. In the metachronous group, 50% of the axillae were involved on both sides. In the simultaneous cases the axilla was less frequently involved. Mammography, biopsies of the 2nd breast and prophylactic mastectomy in certain high risk patients should improve survival rates.