A CASE OF BREAST CANCER RECURRED TO THE AXILLARY LYMPH NODE THIRTY YEARS AFTER OPERATION

Abstract

A case of recurred breast cancer 30 years after operation for the primary breast cancer in a 73-year-old woman was experienced. In April 1960, the patient when she was 43 years old underwent modified radical mastectomy for a right breast cancer. In February 1990, the patient was admitted to the hospital because of a right axillary tumor. A 5×4 cm unmovable and elastic hard mass was palpated, and serum NCC-ST-439 value was as high as 220 u/ml. On April 4, 1990, lumpectomy was carried out. The excised tumor was 5×4×3 cm in size and solid. Histologically it was comprized of adenocarcinoma, accompanying by no lymph node tissues nor breast tissues. Immuno-histologically α₁-lactoalbumin, DF-3, 115D8, and NCC-ST-439 were positive. Estrogen receptor in the tumor tissues was positive due to DCC method. No probable primary lesions were found in the other organs clinically, accordingly the tumor was considered a metastasis of the breast cancer to the axillary lymph nodes. As of 11 months after excision of the axillary tumor followed by radiation to the axilla, there is no signs indicating recurrence and serum NCC-ST-439 is in normal range (2.7 u/ml).