Invasive Ductal CA : Tumor Size

Comments:
Tumor Size in Needle Biopsies vs Resected Specimens: In some cases, the needle core biopsy specimens remove a substantial portion of a small invasive breast carcinoma such that measurements made in the excised specimen don't accurately reflect the tumor volume. In such cases, AJCC guidelines recommend using the tumor size from either the core biopsy or the excisional biopsy unless imaging studies indicate a larger invasive tumor. The largest dimension of invasive component should always be reported in needle core biopsy specimens. Studies have shown greater prognostic discrimination when tumor dimension is measured microscopically.

Since the mid-1970's, multiple databases have shown a statistically significant increase in the proportion of smaller tumors coupled with increased survival.

The image shows invasive ductal carcinoma consisting of a large solid nodule with yellow-white areas of necrosis. Image courtesy of Dr. Montemor Netto, Brazil; Used with permission.