Factors Predicting Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology
• Breast Cancer Research

Background:

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is standard for staging the axilla in breast cancer.
• Accurate prediction of positive SLNB in clinically node-negative patients is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients with clinically node-negative axilla.
• To improve staging accuracy and guide treatment decisions for early-stage breast cancer.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of early-stage breast cancer patients (2010-2018).
• Logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of positive SLNB.
• Analysis of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and SLNB results.

Main Results:

• Of 470 patients, 27.2% had positive SLNB.
• Predictors of positive SLNB included: number of SLNs, tumor size, tumor grade, receptor status, prominent axillary lymph nodes, and lymphovascular invasion.
• These factors were statistically significant in predicting positive SLNB (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Histopathological and radiological characteristics can predict SLNB positivity in node-negative breast cancer.
• Identifying predictive factors aids in optimizing axillary staging and patient management.