Tubular carcinoma of the breast: axillary involvement and prognostic factors

Abstract

Background: Tubular carcinoma (TC) of the breast has a very favourable prognosis. The role for axillary staging in small TC was questioned. This study investigated the frequency of axillary metastases and prognostic factors in pure TC of the breast. It involved a retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Methods: A consecutive series of patients presenting to The Strathfield Breast Centre (TSBC) between 1988 and 2011 were reviewed. Only pure TC was included. Information collected included demographics, surgery, pathology, adjuvant therapy and survival.

Results: Pure TC accounted for 146 out of 6110 cases of operable breast cancer. Ninety-five per cent were node negative (micrometastases and isolated tumour cells excluded). Ninety-eight per cent of those with known oestrogen receptor status were oestrogen receptor positive. Median tumour size was 10 mm (range 1-52 mm). Ten-year survival was 97%. Twelve per cent of patients had more than one tumour (either ipsilateral or contralateral). Eight patients had recurrent disease. All were node negative. Three of these patients died of their disease.

Conclusion: Axillary metastases are uncommon in pure TC. Recurrent disease is not readily predicted by tumour size or node status.

Keywords: axillary metastasis; prognosis; tubular breast carcinoma.