Pathology of advanced primary breast carcinoma

For a majority of women with breast carcinoma, the clinical course of the disease is determined by tumor size and axillary node metastases. Tumor type and grade are also important prognostic factors. Estrogen and progesterone receptor statuses are good predictors of the likelihood of response to hormone therapy and survival. Patients with high S-phase fraction are at increased risk for early relapse. As far as other markers are concerned, sufficient information is not available currently to make definitive decisions regarding inclusion of their assessment in the routine evaluation of breast carcinomas.