[Analysis of prognostic factors in breast cancer at University Hospital for Tumors]

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women. It is rare before age 30, whereafter its prevalence rises to reach peak at age 50. Prognostic factors have a very important role in choosing the most appropriate treatment option and making long-term disease prognosis. Currently, the classic prognostic factors such as histologic type, tumor grade, tumor size, regional lymph node involvement, estrogen and progesterone receptor status still are of high prognostic value allowing for reliable prognosis. This retrospective study included female patients treated at Department of Surgery, University Hospital for Tumors in Zagreb over a two-year period (2002-2003). Only patients with histologically diagnosed invasive ductal breast cancer (NOS) undergoing radical modified mastectomy were included in the study. Analysis of the generally accepted prognostic parameters (tumor size, regional lymph node status, tumor grade, hormone receptor status) confirmed their known prognostic value. Study results were consistent with internationally reported data, reflecting appropriate approach by the surgery-pathology team of the hospital in the management of breast cancer.