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Tumor necrosis is considered to be an independent prognostic factor in breast carcinoma. The significance of the amount of necrosis and its relative distribution within DCIS and invasive components as a prognostic indicator remains controversial. Some researchers have found that tumor necrosis as a predictor of recurrence was relevant only for the first 2 years after surgery. For those patients who remained recurrence-free for 10 years after surgical therapy, tumor necrosis was no longer a significant prognostic factor.
Extensively necrotic tumors are frequently ER-/PR- and are highly likely to progress (recurrence or death). Basal cell-like markers are expressed in a very high percentage of such cases. In summary, the presence of extensive necrosis is an adverse prognostic feature in invasive breast carcinomas. It indicates a rapidly dividing tumor that has outgrown its blood supply.
Extensively necrotic tumors are frequently ER-/PR- and are highly likely to progress (recurrence or death). Basal cell-like markers are expressed in a very high percentage of such cases. In summary, the presence of extensive necrosis is an adverse prognostic feature in invasive breast carcinomas. It indicates a rapidly dividing tumor that has outgrown its blood supply.