Anatomical evaluation of tumor localization, size and axillary lymph node involvement in patients with breast cancer

Aim: We aimed to examine the relationship between the location and size of the tumor in the breast determined by evaluating the size and location of the tumor in the breast in accordance with both radiological and anatomical criteria and the anatomical location and size of the lymph nodes involved in the axilla in breast cancer patients with axillary metastases. Material and method: In our study, the files of 72 patients with axillary metastases diagnosed with malignant breast cancer who applied to the Radiology Department of İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center between 2011 and 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The data of the patients such as age, gender, breast parenchymal density, BIRADS values, the right or left breast of the tumor, the size and location of the tumor in the breast, the size and location of the axillary metastasis result were compared. Results: The number of patients with tumors in the right and left breasts was equal (n=36). The mean age of patients with tumor in the right breast was 48.58, and 52.89 in the left breast. When all breasts were evaluated, tumor localization was mostly in the upper outer quadrant with 43%. Axillary metastases were most common (39%) at both Levels 1 and 2. 47 out of 72 cases had BIRADS V. When the relation of breast parenchymal densities with age was examined, patients with Type A density were significantly higher than Type C and D, and Type B was significantly higher than Type D (p=0.01368). There was also a significant difference between the number of lymph nodes dissected from the axilla and the number of lymph nodes found to be pathological (p< 0.0001). Conclusion: We think that the radiological and anatomical relationship between the tumor diameter and localization in the breast, the number of lymph nodes involved as a result of axillary metastasis and the largest diameter of these nodes in breast cancer has a clinical importance in terms of the course of the disease and treatment options. Key words: Anatomical Localization, Axilla, Breast Cancer, Lymph Nodes, Tumor Diameter