Tubular carcinoma of the breast: results of a large contemporary series

BackgroundTubular carcinoma (TC) of the breast is an uncommon subtype associated with a favorable prognosis. This study aimed to assess recent trends and prognostic features in the treatment of TC.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of cases of TC of the breast treated between 1997 and 2004.ResultsWe identified 111 cases of TC of the breast. The median patient age at diagnosis was 55 years, and the median follow-up period was 72 months. Breast-conservation surgery was performed in 75% (83 of 111) of patients. Axillary staging was performed in 80% (89 of 111). Nine (8.1%) were found to be node-positive. Node positivity was associated with larger tumor size (P = .003). All node-positive tumors were greater than 1 cm. One patient developed an in-breast recurrence. No patient developed distant metastases or died from breast cancer.ConclusionsIn this series of TC, the locoregional recurrence rate was low and no patient developed distant metastases. Surgical staging of the axilla may not be necessary in lesions measuring 1 cm or less.