The prevalence of axillary lymph-node metastases in patients with pure tubular carcinoma of the breast and sentinel node biopsy

Aims We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and the risk factors for axillary lymph-node metastases in pure tubular carcinoma (PTC) of the breast. The role of axillary staging and treatment in PTC was also evaluated. Methods Between March 2001 and August 2004, 33 PTC patients underwent sentinel node (SN) biopsy as a part of their surgical treatment. Level I/II axillary clearance was carried out in case of tumour positive SN findings. To confirm the correct histological diagnosis (PTC, >90% tubular component), the breast tumours were reviewed by an expert breast pathologist. Results The SN were successfully harvested in all patients. The median number of SN harvested in the axilla was 3 (range 1–10). Nine (27%) of the 33 patients had axillary nodal metastases. The median number of metastatic nodes was 1 (range1–3). The median size of the SN metastases was 0.5 mm (mean 1.7 mm, range 0.4–5 mm). In six patients, micrometastases were the only tumour positive SN findings. The median histological tumour size was similar, 9 vs 10 mm, in patients with or without axillary metastases. The median patient age was 54 (range 44–71) and 57 (range 39–80) years, respectively. After the histopathological review, six of the 27 patients with true PTC had axillary metastases. The review did not significantly change the risk factors for axillary metastases. Conclusions Every fourth PTC patient has axillary lymph-node metastases, most often micrometastases. SN biopsy appears as a feasible method for axillary staging in PTC patients.