Axillary dissection in invasive breast cancer.
For patients with tumors > 2 cm (clinical T2-3 N0 M0), the tumor's virulence and metastatic potential are evident without further invasive or noninvasive tests. These patients would be better served with treatment ot the local, regional, and systematic components of the disease. For patients with T1 N0 M0 tumors, such information as tumor size, grade, receptor status, and results of noninvasive tests may help separate the two extremes for which axillary dissection will not affect decisions about adjuvant therapy. In the subset of patients in whom axillary dissection will define adjuvant therapy, sentinel node biopsy should definitely be performed. For metastases, nodal radiation would be therapeutic, together with systemic therapy. Axillary dissection is recommended for patients with palpable axillary disease.
Lawrence
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D001706:Biopsy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant