[Prognostic significance of internal mammary lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients].

Examination was made of clinical, histological and biological prognostic factors in 207 patients with invasive breast cancer, and determination was made as to whether variable prognostic factors, especially internal mammary lymph node metastases, would serve as a basis for the prognosis of breast cancer. In a univariate study, overall survival was significantly corrected with tumor size, axillary lymph node status, axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastases and DNA ploidy status. In a multivariate study, however, only axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastases were recognized as important, and independent prognostic factors on survival. Neither axillary lymph node status nor DNA ploidy status appeared an important prognostic factor. Axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastases could not be predicted from their clinical assessment. Only axillary lymph node dissection and biopsy of first and second intercostal spaces were concluded to be useful for accurately indicating the status of these lymph nodes.