Prognostic factors in stage-I breast cancer: a retrospective study

We studied the case records of all patients presenting with stage-I breast cancer (tumour < 2 cm, no axillary nodes or distant metastases). All clinical and pathological features were evaluated and findings were correlated with short term treatment failures (local and distant recurrences within 2 years). An early recurrence was seen in 28% patients. There was no significant differences in the mean age at presentation (44 vs 47 years) or menopausal status (8 Vs 7 years). Estrogen receptor status was unknown in all the patients. A positive family history of breast cancer was noted in 40% women with tumour relapse against 6% in the non-relapsed group. Associated fibrocystic mammary dysplasia was found in 80% relapsed cases whereas 60% showed lymphatic invasion and tumour necrosis. Vascular invasion was reported in 40% cases. A poorly differentiated histology fibrocystic mammary dysplasia, lymphatic and vascular invasion and tumour necrosis were poor prognostic factors. It was concluded that adjuvant chemotherapy should be given to all patients presenting with stage-I breast cancer and showing poor prognostic factors regardless of the menopausal status.