Sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with breast ductal carcinoma in situ

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the roles of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients with breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Methods A database containing 86 breast DCIS patients and 51 ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) patients who received SLNB from Jan. 2002 to Jun. 2007 was retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 86 DCIS patients, 42 received breast conserving surgery and 44 received mastectomy. Three patients (3.5%) had sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis, and the SLN is the only lymph node with metastasis. Of 51 DCISM patients, 13 received breast conserving surgery and 38 received mastectomy. 4 patients (7.8%) had SLN metastasis and 1 had non sentinel lymph nodes metastasis. After a median follow-up of four years, none of the patients had ipsilateral axillary recurrence and further metastasis. Conclusions SLNB should be done in all DCISM patients and those DCIS patients who received mastectomy, and be avoided in those who received breast conserving surgery. Key words: Breast cancer; Ductal carcinoma in situ; Microinvasion; Sentinel lymph node biopsy