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Axillary lymph node metastasis in lung cancer
Hiroaki Satoh1, Hiroichi Ishikawa, Katsunori Kagohashi
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba-city, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan. hirosato@md.tsukuba.ac.jp
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|September 30, 2008
Summary
Axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in lung cancer is rare, with unknown prognosis. This study evaluated clinicopathological features of lung cancer patients with ALNM, finding median survival of 7 months for those diagnosed initially.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) from primary lung cancer is an uncommon occurrence.
- The clinical characteristics, prognosis, and optimal treatment strategies for lung cancer patients with ALNM remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinicopathological features of lung cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastasis.
- To evaluate the clinical course and outcomes of patients diagnosed with ALNM at initial presentation or during follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of medical records and pathological reports was conducted.
- The study included patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer between January 1985 and August 2007.
Main Results:
- Out of 1,340 lung cancer patients, 10 (0.75%) exhibited ALNM.
- ALNM was diagnosed at initial presentation in 8 patients and developed during follow-up in 2.
- Median survival for patients with initial ALNM diagnosis was 7 months, with frequent mediastinal and supraclavicular lymph node involvement.
Conclusions:
- Intercostal lymphatic spread from mediastinal lymph node metastasis is the probable route for axillary node involvement.
- Routine axillary palpation is advised for lung cancer patients with chest wall invasion or mediastinal/supraclavicular lymphadenopathy.
