Radiology of axillary region in breast cancer staging: Mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and lymphography techniques

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women. Axillary lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factor that affect the recurrence of disease, survival and clinical or surgical approach. Therefore, evaluation of axillary lymph node involvement is an important necessity in all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Although, axillary lymph node dissection and pathology can established the final diagnosis, less invasive methods are needed because of serious regional morbidity of the method. Nowadays, sentinel lymph node biopsy has become standard practice for the evaluation of nodal disease in clinically axillary negative breast cancer patients. However, sentinel lymph node biopsy can have some complications and undesirable effects such as prolonged operative time, a second surgical scar, painful injections before surgery and seroma. Radiological techniques which decrease the necessity of sentinel lymph node biopsy are needed.