Tumor and breast volume ratio as a predictive factor for axillary lymph node metastases in T1c ductal invasive breast cancer: prospective observational clinico-pathological study.

OBJECTIVE The status of the axilla is the single most important prognostic indicator of overall survival in patients with breast cancer. Sentinel-node biopsy has false-negative rates of 5-10%. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of tumor and breast volume ratio as a predictive factor for axillary lymph node metastases in patients with T1c ductal invasive breast cancer. METHODS This study included 136 consecutive patients with T1c ductal invasive breast cancer. Three tumor diameters were measured. Tumor volume was calculated by the formula for ellipse. Breast volume was measured preoperatively. Tumor and breast volume ratio was calculated and shown per thousand. RESULTS Tumor and breast volume ratio is a new independent predictive factor for axillary lymph node metastase in T1c ductal invasive breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS This predictive factor could help to define a subgroup of patients who will be at a higher risk for axillary lymph node metastase and would benefit from additional close follow up or axillary lymph node dissection.