Predictive factors of isolated tumor cells and micrometastases in axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer

Abstract

Patients with larger tumors, no triple negative disease, and younger age showed a decreased chance of both pN0 and pN0(i+) and an increased risk of both pN1mi and pN ≥ 1a. There seems to be a gradual shift in risk pattern from pN0 to pN0(i+) to pN1mi and to pN ≥ 1a-disease. The presence of the smallest metastases remained fairly constant over time when compared to macrometastases. This constant presence suggests that the risk of seeding and outgrowth of metastases remains constant over time.