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Published on: June 1, 2019
Primary breast cancer features can predict additional lymph node involvement in patients with sentinel node
P Carcoforo1, U Maestroni, P Querzoli
1Department of Surgical, Anaesthesiological and Radiological Sciences, University of Ferrara, C.so Giovecca, 203-44100 Ferrara, Italy.
World Journal of Surgery
|August 24, 2006
Summary
Predicting further axillary involvement in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node micrometastases is possible. Key indicators include lymphovascular invasion, Mib-1 index over 10%, and tumor size exceeding 2 cm.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is standard for breast cancer staging.
- Micrometastases in SLNs present a challenge for predicting further axillary involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify primary breast cancer features predicting additional axillary metastases in patients with SLN micrometastases.
- To guide decisions regarding further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 690 breast cancer patients.
- Examined primary tumor characteristics: histology, size, lymphovascular invasion, Mib-1, ER/PR, HER-2/neu, p53.
- Classified patients based on SLN and non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis status.
Main Results:
- Of 296 patients with SLN metastases, 102 (43%) had NSLN involvement.
- In patients with solitary SLN micrometastases (n=58), 8 (14%) had further NSLN involvement.
- Predictive factors for NSLN metastasis included lymphovascular invasion, Mib-1 > 10%, and tumor size > 2 cm.
Conclusions:
- Primary tumor characteristics can predict further axillary involvement in breast cancer patients with SLN micrometastases.
- Patients with specific features (no lymphovascular invasion, Mib-1 < 10%, tumor size < 2 cm) may avoid ALND.