Regression of axillary lymph-nodes in cancer of the breast

Abstract

Abstract A multicentre, prospective trial on the treatment of Stage-I and Stage-II breast cancer by simple mastectomy plus radiotherapy versus simple mastectomy alone is described. So far 1050 patients have been collected within 2 years. Data on the first 161 patients treated by simple mastectomy alone are analysed. Axillary lymph-nodes have regressed within 3 months of mastectomy in 75 per cent of patients in clinical Stage II. Regression may be due to resolution of reactive changes in lymph-nodes following removal of the primary tumour.