Tumor Characteristics Associated with Axillary Nodal Positivity in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Breast Cancer Research
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Primary tumor size is a known prognostic factor in breast cancer.
• Axillary lymph node status is critical for staging and treatment decisions in breast cancer.
• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents unique challenges due to lack of targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between tumor characteristics (size, location, nipple distance) and axillary lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients.
• To assess the predictive value of imaging in identifying nodal involvement.
• To identify factors associated with nodal positivity in TNBC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 73 stage I-III TNBC patients undergoing upfront surgery (1998-2019).
• Analysis of tumor size, location, distance to nipple, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in relation to sentinel lymph node status.
• Evaluation of ultrasound findings for suspicious lymph node characteristics.

Main Results:

• Larger tumor size significantly correlated with positive lymph nodes (mean 27.31 mm vs. 14.30 mm).
• Shorter tumor-to-nipple distance was associated with nodal positivity (51.0 mm vs. 73.3 mm).
• Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and younger age (<60) were linked to nodal metastasis; tumor quadrant was not.

Conclusions:

• Tumor size and proximity to the nipple are significant predictors of axillary lymph node metastasis in TNBC.
• LVI and younger age are also associated with increased risk of nodal involvement.
• Further research comparing TNBC with other subtypes may reveal underlying biological differences.