[Mammary carcinoma]. / Mammacarcinoom.

In The Netherlands mamma carcinoma is diagnosed in about 12.000 women each year. The prognosis has improved due to screening, local control and adjuvant therapy. This induced a mortality reduction of 20% during the last decennium. If mamma carcinoma has been diagnosed, local surgical treatment of the breast will take place. This may be carried out by breast conserving therapy or by breast amputation. For axillary staging a sentinel node procedure is performed. In case of axillary metastasis, an axillary lymph node dissection is needed. Systemic therapy may be needed as well. This can be chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy or a combination. Recent developments in molecular techniques will provide individualized systemic treatment in the near future.