[Primary breast sarcoma. A retrospective study of 42 patients treated at the Bergonié Institute during a 32-year period]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the experience of a single cancer center with unusual tumors. To analyze Primary breast sarcomas (PBS). To investigate treatment and prognostic factors influencing overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Patients and methods: Retrospective study of a series of 42 patients. We reviewed the clinical records and pathology slides of 42 women with PBS treated in our institution between 1970 and 2002. Log-rank tests were used to determine OS and DFS.

Results: The median age at diagnosis was 56.9 years (24-81 years). Surgery was part of the therapeutic strategy in all the patients. Patients with angiosarcoma and those with malignant cystosarcoma constituted distinct populations. The 10-year OS and DFS rates were 53% and 55% for angiosarcoma patients and 89% and 100% for cystosarcoma patients (p=0.009 and 0.01 respectively).

Conclusion: Careful preoperative multidisciplinary assessment is required before making the decision to treat. Mastectomy is generally indicated. Axillary lymph node dissection is not indicated.