title: Pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The lack of a standard definition of "pure" mucinous carcinoma of the breast has made it difficult to compare data from different studies. This study used the most stringent criteria to define parameters for truly pure lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-five patients were identified. The database was used to evaluate patients' demographics, tumor characteristics, and outcomes. Survival curves and predictors of survival were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of presentation was 67 years. The majority (96%) of patients presented with early-stage disease. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 93.6% and 72.8%, respectively. The number of involved axillary lymph nodes was the only significant predictor of death (P = 0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast has a favorable prognosis. Tumor size does not appear to impact survival, perhaps because the volume of mucin overestimates tumor burden. The number of involved axillary lymph nodes was the only significant predictor of death from disease.
authors.affiliation: Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Columbia University Breast Center, Atchley Pavilion, 10th Floor, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Ian K
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Komenaka
authors.forename: Mahmoud B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: El-Tamer
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Troxel
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hamele-Bena
authors.forename: Kathie-Ann
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Horowitz
authors.forename: Beth-Ann
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Ditkoff
authors.forename: Freya R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Schnabel
mesh_terms: D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015996:Survival Rate