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The role of internal mammary lymph node metastases in the management of breast cancer

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Abstract

We reviewed the literature regarding internal mammary lymph node metastasis in the management of breast cancer. Internal mammary dissection or radiotherapy provides no survival advantage in breast cancer patients. However, internal mammary nodal metastasis is an important independent prognostic factor. Patients with such metastases are candidates for systemic adjuvant hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy. Moreover, in patients with histologically confirmed internal mammary metastases, irradiation of the nodes is appropriate for local control. Noninvasive techniques, such as internal mammary lymphoscintigraphy, parasternal sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are not satisfactory for the practical diagnosis of internal mammary metastasis. At present, biopsy of the internal mammary nodes in the first and second intercostal spaces is indicated for assessing nodal status and planning treatment.

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Abbreviations

AX:

Axillary lymph nodes

IMN:

Internal mammary lymph nodes

EXT:

Extended radical mastectomy

RDL:

Radical mastectomy

IMLS:

Internal mammary lymphoscintigraphy

IMA:

Internal mammary area

CT:

Computed tomography

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

PS:

Parasternal sonography

SIMA:

Sonolucent internal mammary area

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery II,Kanazawa University Hospital,School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Japan

    Masakuni Noguchi, Koichiro Tsugawa, Takao Taniya & Koichi Miwa

Authors
  1. Masakuni Noguchi
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  2. Koichiro Tsugawa
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  3. Takao Taniya
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  4. Koichi Miwa
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Noguchi, M., Tsugawa, K., Taniya, T. et al. The role of internal mammary lymph node metastases in the management of breast cancer. Breast Cancer 5, 117–125 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02966683

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