Re-evaluating the perioperative diagnosis of axillary metastasis in breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Perioperative diagnosis of axillary metastasis in breast cancer can be achieved using axillary ultrasound with fine needle aspiration cytology (Ax US + FNAC) and intraoperative frozen section analysis of the sentinel node (FS SN). The Z0011 trial confirms that SN biopsy alone in patients with SN metastasis, treated with breast conservation and systemic therapy can provide excellent regional control and survival. The role of immediate axillary clearance (AC) in patients with a perioperative diagnosis of nodal metastasis needs to be re-evaluated.