Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the value of serial sectioning and immunohistoehemistry(IHC)for the diagnosis of senfinel lymph node(SLNs)metastases in patients with breast cancer,and to evaluate the significance of mierometastases and isolated tunlor cells(ITCs)in the SLNs. Methods Eighty pailents with clinically node-negative breast cancer underwent SLN biopsy with both99mTc-labeled sulfur colloid and iBosulfan blue dye for SLN identification.All SLNS and non-SLNs were evalnated with standard H&E stain and IHC analysis. Results SLNs were successfully identified in 78 of 80 patients(97.5%),the isotope/blue dye concordanee rate was 76.5%for all SLNs.Thirty two patients (41%)had histologically positive SLNs,and 13(40.6%)of these patients hod SLNS with micrometastatic disease.In 14(43.8%)of these patients,the SLNs were the only nodes involved.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of SLN biopsy in predicting axillary node stams were 96.9%,100%and 98.7%,reslaeetively.Patients with positive SLNs metastasis had a markedly higher proportion of non-SLNs metastases compared with those with only micrometastasis in the SLNS(78.9% vs 23.1%). Conclusions Serial sectioning and IHC ale sensitive methods for detecting breast cancer metastases in SLNS.The incidence of non-SLNs metastases is rather low in patients with SLNs that contain only micrometsstatic foci and ITCs.The prognostic significance and effect on surgical management of these occult disease have yet to be determined.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of advanced colorectal cancer which was 30 mm or smaller in diameter.

METHODSRetrospective analysis documented 80 patients with small advanced colorectal cancer from May 1985 to May 2002. According to the diameter of tumors, all patients were divided into three groups: Group A (10 mm or less), Group B (11-20 mm), Group C (21-30 mm). Considering the number of patients in Group A was smaller, we combined Group A with Group B as Group D. Then various clinicopathological characteristics were compared between Group C and Group D.

RESULTSThe most common site of small advanced colorectal cancer was sigmoid colon and rectum that accounted for 36.2% and 35.0% of all cases. The average diameter of total tumors was 23.3 mm. Type 2 was the most common macroscopic type (63.7%) and the moderate differentiation was seen in 77.5% of cases. Thirty-eight (47.5%) cases had lymph node metastasis. Three (3.8%) cases had liver metastasis and three (3.8%) cases had peritoneal metastasis. The frequency of lymph node metastasis was found significantly different between Group C and Group D (54.2% vs. 28.6%, P < 0.05) , as well as between the groups with different depth of invasion (P < 0.05). Curability A resection was performed in 69 (86.2%) cases.

CONCLUSIONSTumor size and depth of invasion are related to lymph node metastasis in small advanced colorectal cancer. However, the small size of tumor may not always be a reliable parameter for estimating the risk of lymph node metastasis. Small colorectal cancers also do not always mean the early stage. Surgeons should be aware of the features of small advanced colorectal cancers to select ideal management and perform perfect resection.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; blood ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Laparotomy ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Retrospective Studies