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Axillary node dissection in ductal carcinoma in situ
R G Parker1, D Berkbigler, K Rees
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, 90095-6951, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Oncology
|April 16, 1998
Summary
Axillary lymph node dissection is often performed for breast cancer, but this study found it unnecessary for non-invasive types. In 107 dissections for intraductal breast cancer, only one metastasis was found.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Intraductal carcinoma of the breast is increasingly diagnosed with mammography.
- Mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection was the traditional treatment.
- Breast conservation is now used for non-invasive breast cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of axillary lymph node dissection for non-invasive breast cancers.
- To determine the rate of metastasis in axillary lymph nodes for intraductal carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 107 cases of intraductal carcinoma of the breast.
- Axillary dissections performed with an average of 20 lymph nodes identified per case.
Main Results:
- A single metastasis was identified across all 107 axillary dissections.
- This indicates a very low incidence of lymph node involvement in this patient cohort.
Conclusions:
- Axillary lymph node dissection may not be indicated for intraductal carcinoma of the breast.
- Further research is needed to confirm the low metastasis rate and refine treatment guidelines for non-invasive breast cancers.