Occult breast cancer presenting with axillary metastases: Updated management Journal Article


Authors: Baron, P. L.; Moore, M. P.; Kinne, D. W.; Candela, F. C.; Osborne, M. P.; Petrek, J. A.
Article Title: Occult breast cancer presenting with axillary metastases: Updated management
Abstract: • An isolated axillary lymph node metastasis in a woman without an obvious clinical primary site most frequently originates from the breast. Mastectomy has been the historical treatment of choice. A retrospective study of 35 patients was undertaken to evaluate the roles of modern mammography, breast preservation, and adjuvant systemic therapy in the management of these patients. Twenty-eight patients underwent a mastectomy, while 7 were managed by a combination of limited resection and/or axillary dissection and radiation therapy. Twenty-two (67%) of the 33 breast specimens contained carcinoma. Comparison of the pathologic results with the preoperative mammograms showed a specificity of 73%, while the sensitivity was only 29%. Actuarial 5-year survival after mastectomy or breast preservation was similar (77% and 65%, respectively). Patients with more than one positive lymph node benefited from adjuvant therapy. Mammography does not locate the majority of occult stage II breast cancers, and both breast preservation and adjuvant therapy may have roles in the management of these patients. © 1990, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Keywords: adult; clinical article; aged; survival rate; retrospective studies; human cell; conference paper; combined modality therapy; cancer staging; lymph node metastasis; lymphatic metastasis; adenocarcinoma; breast cancer; mastectomy; breast neoplasms; mammography; neoplasm invasiveness; axilla; estrogen receptor; neoplasms, unknown primary; middle age; human; female; priority journal
Journal Title: Archives of Surgery
Volume: 125
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0004-0010
Publisher: American Medical Association  
Date Published: 1990-02-01
Start Page: 210
End Page: 214
Language: English
DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.1990.01410140088014
PUBMED: 2302061
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jeanne Ann Petrek
    91 Petrek
  2. David Kinne
    64 Kinne
  3. Michael P. Osborne
    61 Osborne