[Lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer and selection of operation]

Studies of 169 cases of breast carcinoma showed that lymphatic metastasis was closely related to biological behavior of the cancer. Modified radical operation or modified extended radical operation were performed in cases of TNM stage I and II by pre- and intraoperative estimation of the tumor less than or about 5 cm in diameter, limited within mammary gland, and of expansion type. Histological typing and grading, degree of infiltration, condition of ER and lymphatic metastasis were used to plan postoperative adjuvant therapy. The importance of investigation of ER status of the lesions lies in proper arrangement of combined therapy and prediction of prognosis.