Postoperative TNM classification of breast cancer. Implications for further treatment (1989-1995)

Abstract

This study includes 1403 postoperative breast cancer specimens elaborated in our laboratory over the period of last 7 years. The average age of the patients is 54.36 years (range 22-90) and the majority are in the age groups of 41-50 and 51-60 (55.95%). The size of the primary tumour (longest diameter) belongs mostly to the category of T2 (primary tumor 2-5 cm). There are 831 cases in this group or 59.23%. Metastatic spread in the regional lymph nodes is absent in 541 cases (38.56%) and in 278 cases (19.81 %) metastatic deposits are encountered in N1biv category (bigger than 2 cm, in the greatest diameter). The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma which is present in 649 cases (46.26%). Grade of histologic differentiation is mostly moderate (G2) with 864 cases (61.58%). The majority of the patients are in the stage II of the disease (IIA +IIB = 953 cases or 67.97%). In comparision to the similar studies found in the available references it is obvious we have fewer patients in the stage I but the same number in stage II where the disease is more advanced. This means that examination and diagnosis of the breast cancer is for a step later than the degree when usually more agressive therapy is needed considering the percent of the patients in the higher stages of the disease.