A new topographic approach to the spread of breast cancer: the grid method

In a series of 181 patients with breast cancer treated by mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, the authors developed and used an improved topographic technique, which they call the "Grid Method", which maps out the extent of a given cance of the breast. Three types of tumor spread are defined: Type 1, limited (L)(31%); Type 2, multifocal (M)(13.2%); and Type 3, extensive (E)(55.8%). This topographic information allows a more accurate assessment of prognosis when used in conjunction with the morphologic findings. Moreover, the topographic "Grid" study is simple to perform and easy to assess. Of prime importance is the relationship between the topographic and mammographic findings.