The status of neck node metastases in breast cancer—loco-regional or distant?

Metastases to cervical lymph nodes do not exclusively derive from malignancies of the head and neck area. In the literature the region where distant metastases of breast carcinomas to the neck occur is exclusively named “supraclavicular”. The system established by head and neck surgeons regarding ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Breast (Edinburgh) 2006-04, Vol.15 (2), p.181-186
Main Authors: Sesterhenn, A.M., Albert, U.S., Barth, P.J., Wagner, U., Werner, J.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Breast cancer
Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis
Breast Neoplasms - mortality
Breast Neoplasms - pathology
Breast Neoplasms - therapy
Diagnosis, Differential
Distant metastasis
Female
Germany
Head and neck
Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnosis
Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging
Head and Neck Neoplasms - mortality
Head and Neck Neoplasms - secondary
Head and Neck Neoplasms - therapy
Humans
Lymph node metastasis
Lymphatic Metastasis
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Staging
Radiography
Ultrasonography
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Summary:Metastases to cervical lymph nodes do not exclusively derive from malignancies of the head and neck area. In the literature the region where distant metastases of breast carcinomas to the neck occur is exclusively named “supraclavicular”. The system established by head and neck surgeons regarding neck node topography allows interdisciplinary management of patients with cervical lymph node metastases from breast cancer. Twelve patients suffering from breast cancer who presented with cervical masses have been examined. Most lymph node metastases were found in the posterior triangle of the neck and at the caudo-jugular level, but some metastases were even found in the upper jugular levels. The results presented show that neck node metastases of breast cancer are located superiorly to the supraclavicular region in more than 50% of the cases. According to the AJCC Staging System for Breast Cancer metastases located in the supraclavicular fossa are assessed as loco-regional metastases (N3c). Lymph node metastases situated above the supraclavicular region are not mentioned, but should be considered as distant metastases. This important question remains unanswered and deserves clarification in the current classification of the AJCC Staging System for Breast Cancer.
ISSN:0960-9776
1532-3080
DOI:10.1016/j.breast.2005.05.006