Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether preoperative computed tomography (CT) is a useful modality for the diagnosis of axillary lymph node metastasis. The axillary lymph node status was examined in patients with primary breast cancer who had undergone surgery. In total, 75 patients were analyzed with preoperative contrast CT images, following which the patients underwent an intraoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine possible predictors of axillary lymph node metastasis. The lymph node shape was classified into three groups, which included fat-, clear-and obscure-types. Multivariate analysis revealed that clear-type lymph nodes in preoperative contrast CT imaging may be an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, 15; P=0.003). Therefore, the results indicated that preoperative CT examination is useful to predict axillary lymph node metastasis.
Highlights
Introduction as predictors of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer [3]
The axillary lymph nodes should be dissected for patients who are considered to be axillary lymph node‐positive, lymph node dissection often causes complications, including arm edema, motor disturbance of the arm and axillary numbness [10,11,12]
Axillary lymph node dissection should be performed only following consideration of whether the procedure is essential in each patient with breast cancer
Summary
Introduction as predictors of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer [3]. since only a few methods exist for precisely predicting the axillary lymph node metastasis of an individual patient with breast cancer, a number of patients may not receive appropriate treatment for such metastasis. The development of diagnostic imaging systems has facilitated the evaluation of axillary lymph node metastasis prior to surgery for breast cancer [4]. The aim of the present retrospective study was to examine whether contrast CT imaging for the preoperative evaluation of the axillary lymph node status was a clinically useful modality. Axillary lymph node excision in breast cancer was previously the standard optimal surgical procedure for breast cancer. Currently this procedure is not always essential since the status of axillary lymph node metastasis can be predicted by an intraoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) [1]. Axillary lymph node dissection tends to be unnecessary, in a number of patients with early stage breast cancer [2]
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