Occult breast cancer:a report of 28 cases / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate special diagnosis and treatment of occult breast cancer. MethodsDiagnostic means used included breast roentgenography,selective mammary ductography, fine needle aspiration and excision biopsy in 28 cases. ResultsBreast roentgenography detected 4 cases ( 7/16), selective mammary ductography identified 4 cases(4/6). The definite diagnosis rate by lump biopsy and immunohistochemistry was 10 cases (10/13). Postoperative follow-up was abtained in 18 cases,with 5 dying of recurrence or distant metastases. Among them 4 patients underwent only axillary node excision. Conclusion Nipple discharge,localized thickening the gland are very important clue to the diagnosis of occult breast cancer.Lump biopsy and immunohistochemistry is a mainstay for the final establishment of the diagnosis of breast cancer. Radical or modified radical mastectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is a suitable treatment modality for occult breast cancer.