DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Operable, clinical Stage I/II breast cancer (T1-3, N0-1, M0) No evidence of distant metastases on x-ray of chest, spine, and pelvis Bone scan evidence alone of secondary mass allowed unless considered unequivocal evidence of metastasis No primary carcinoma fixed to underlying muscle or chest wall No deeply fixed axillary nodes No ulceration, skin infiltration, or peau d'orange involving more than 1/3 of breast No bilateral tumors Hormone receptor status: Not specified