Management of locoregional lymph node metastasis from occult breast cancer

Abstract

Objective: Occult breast cancer (OBC) is an occasional condition. Regarding the small number of cases in studies, the
gain of treatment with mastectomy remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the treatment and prognosis
of OBC patients with locoregional lymph node metastasis (LNM). Methodology: We analyzed patients registered in the
Oncologic Clinic of Azerbaijan Medical University between 2007 and 2021, with locoregional LNM as well as bilateral negative mammography, ultrasonography, and MRI of the breasts. Overall survival (OS) was compared by treatment groups
(ALND+R – axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy; ALND+MAST±RT – axillary lymph node dissection, mastectomy with or without radiotherapy). Results: Among 36 patients, 28 were treated by ALND+RT and 8 were treated by
ALND+MAST±RT. The median follow-up for these patients in the treatment groups was 12.5 and 10.3 years, respectively.
There was no notable difference in OS between the treatment groups. Conclusion: The prognosis was analogous in OBC
patients with various treatment ways. This supports the possibility of avoiding mastectomy in these patients.