Lymphnodal recurrence in 1119 cases of infiltrating breast cancer

PURPOSE: To analyze the main determinants of lymphnodal recurrence in early breast cancer and to compare our results with literature data. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1119 patients with Stage I-II infiltrati ng breast cancer treated by conservative radiosurgical association from 198 0 to 1992, with a 10-year median follow-up. RESULTS: The global rate of lymphnodal recurrence (INR) was 2.7% (30 cases) . Age under 40, high histoprognostic grade and previous local recurrence we re the main risk factors of LNR. Axillary nodal involvement at time of diag nosis, number of lymph nodes sampled and tumor localization were not signif icantly related to LNR. CONCLUSION: Lymphnodal recurrences of early breast cancers are not frequent , but their prognosis is very unfavourable. A multidisciplinary approach of these LNR is necessary, taking into account previous treatments.