Probablity of omitting axillary dissection in early stage breast cancer with one positive sentinel lymph node

Objective To investigate the probability of omitting axillary dissection( OAD) in patients with early breast cancer with one positive sentinel lymph node( SLN) . Methods The patients with early stage breast cancer underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy( SLNB) with subdermal injection of 2. 0 ml methylene blue as tracer agent in the area of areola or aroud incision,they were divided negative SLN group and one positive SLN group. Then axillary lymph node dissection( ALND) were performed in the two groups. The positive rate of non-sentinel lymph node( NSLN) were compared between the two group. Results The NSLN was positive in only one case of negative SLN group ( 30 cases) ,the positive rate was 3. 3% ,the accuracy was 96. 7% ( 29 /30) ; while the NSLN was positive in three cases of one positive SLN group ( 30 cases) ,the positive rate was 10. 0% . The positive rates of NSLN were no statistical difference in two groups ( χ 2 = 1. 071,P = 0. 612) . All the patients were followed up. With a median follow-up of 28 months ( 1-48 months) ,no recurence was in the region lymph nodes. Conculsions OAD is considered in patients with early stage breast cancer with one positive SLN.