Abstract:

Aim: The status of axillary lymph nod metastasis (ALNM) at diagnosis has been considered as one of the most important prognostic factors for overall and disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer. Determination of breast cancer patients at risk for ALNM is important for treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that affect axillary lymph nod involvement in breast cancer in addition to biological and pathological parameters to prevent unnecessary lymph nod dissections. Methods: Immunohistochemical and pathological features of 131 breast cancer patients, who underwent breast surgery, were investigated retrospectively. Results: ALNM was detected in 60% (n=79) of patients. In univariate analysis, histological grade, tumor you, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, HER2 positivity and large intraductal component were found to be high risk factors for ALNM. In multivariate analysis, increased tumor size (T1; OR: 0.2, p<0.034) and presence of lymphovascular invasion (OR: 0.2, p<0.001) were found to be independent factors for ALNM. Conclusion: In our study, the presence of lymphovascular invasion and increased tumor you were found to be independent predictive factors for axillary lymph nod involvement. In univariate analysis, histological grade, tumor you, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, HER2 positivity and large intraductal component were found to be high risk factors for ALNM. Patients carrying these factors may be included in the higher risk group for lymph nod involvement. However, more data is needed to identify the factors that may help to decide for axillary lymph nod disection.