[A retrospective determination of the validity of various methods of early detection of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer]. / Retrospektive Ermittlung der Validität unterschiedlicher Methoden zur frühzeitigen Erkennung von Rezidiv und Metastasen des Mammakarzinoms.

ABSTRACT

The valid follow-up standard for mammary carcinoma was checked by means of a retrospective study with 1,004 curatively treated patients operated between 1977 and 1987. The aim of this study was to find out whether intensive diagnostics of recurrences and metastases resulted in early detection and prolongation of life and/or improvement of life quality. Evaluation of two groups (early detection and treatment as compared to late detection and treatment) showed that diagnosis was only slightly earlier (1,2 months) which did not lead to longer life. These results gave rise to recommendations for an efficient follow-up regime for patients with mammary carcinoma. Exact case history and clinical examinations are more important for asymptomatic patients than intensive diagnostics