ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is detected more often since the advent of mammography. A standardized pathologic staging and grading system does not exist, but nuclear grade is assuming greater importance. The history of DCIS is long, and its treatment is a controversial issue in breast cancer today. METHODS: Data have been reviewed regarding the role of HER-2 expression as a prognostic variable, as a predictive factor for response to chemotherapy and hormonal therapies, and as a directed therapeutic target for breast cancer. RESULTS: The NSABP protocol B06 revealed a recurrence rate of 43% in patients treated with local excision alone. Half of recurrences are still DCIS, but 50% are invasive. Local control is markedly improved by the addition of radiation. Recurrence is also minimized by careful cytologic review of margins. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has resulted in more accurate nodal staging. CONCLUSIONS: As a heterogeneous lesion, DCIS may not lend itself to a uniform treatment approach. Careful analysis of resection margins is required. As our understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of this disease develops, a coordinated team approach is optimal.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Axillary node dissection is considered a standard staging procedure in patients with breast cancer. The procedure is associated with significant morbidity and provides pathologists with many lymph nodes to evaluate. METHODS: A total of 174 women participated in a trial that included preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative lymphatic mapping using a combination of a vital blue dye and radiocolloid mapping. RESULTS: The intraoperative lymphatic mapping correctly identified a sentinel lymph node (SLN) in 160 (92%) of 174 patients. One skip metastasis (0.7%) occurred in 136 women who had a subsequent complete node dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy using a combination of mapping techniques provide accurate nodal staging for women with breast cancer. With this technique, approximately 70% to 80% of women with no axillary metastases could be spared the morbidity of a complete node dissection.
