CLINICOPATHOLOGIC FEATURES AND PROGNOSIS IN OCCULT BREAST CARCINOMA (A REPORT OF NINE CASES)
Abstract
In this report, nine cases of axillary metastases from clinically occult breast cancer were analysed with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis. All cases had histologic evidence of metastatic nodes compatible with breast carcinoma, and were followed-up from 3 to 6 yeras.
Conclusions. The disease occurs in approximately 0.6% of all breast cancer diagnosed in our hospital. The most common pattern of histologic findings in the axillary lymph node in cases of occult breast carcinoma was the infiltration of relative undifferentiated cells with clear or granular pink cytoplasm.
The number of metastatic nodes and metastatic tumor size seemed to be related to the prognosis. Whether or nor a primary tumor was found in the breast seemed not to be related to the prognosis.
Conclusions. The disease occurs in approximately 0.6% of all breast cancer diagnosed in our hospital. The most common pattern of histologic findings in the axillary lymph node in cases of occult breast carcinoma was the infiltration of relative undifferentiated cells with clear or granular pink cytoplasm.
The number of metastatic nodes and metastatic tumor size seemed to be related to the prognosis. Whether or nor a primary tumor was found in the breast seemed not to be related to the prognosis.