The feasibility of conservative salvage surgery was addressed in a clinicopathologic study of the results of wide excision for 50 selected parenchymal intramammary recurrences after standard breast conserving treatment. After median follow-up of 51 months, 16 (32%) second local failures were observed (5-year local control 62%). Cox multivariate analysis of 18 parameters indicated that only disease-free interval and resection margins significantly influenced local control. 5-year local control was 92% for recurrences occurring after 5 years vs. 49% for shorter intervals, and 73% for negative vs. 36% for positive or indeterminate margins. Local control appeared independent of morphologic features, initial tumour stage, patient age, recurrent tumour size and location. Median survival after second local failure was 33 months; tertiary therapy obtained ultimate local-regional control in 8 of 16 cases. The authors conclude that wide excision is a particularly satisfactory alternative to salvage mastectomy for late recurrences. Negative margins are essential. Further study will be required to establish additional guidelines allowing improved patient selection.