[The value of breast lymphoscintigraphy in the definition of axillary staging in cancer of the breast].

Axillary lymphoscintigraphy (ALS) has been investigated in 51 patients with operable breast carcinoma between July 1982 and February 1984. Pre-operative intra-tumoral injection of 2.5 cm Ci of technetium 99 m antimony sulfide colloid has been performed before axillary dissection. We compared the scans produced by ALS with the results of pre-operative clinical examination of the axilla (UICC criterias) and to the histological status of the nodes surgically removed. We focused on the statistical methodology because, for us, most of the studies use inadequate tests. Axillary lymphoscintigraphy did not predict axillary metastase in breast cancer with precision. Its score was under clinical exam. Today, we are not allowed to abandon axillary dissection for pre-operative ALS. That simple and non traumatic examination appeared to be of no value in order to determine the axillary metastatic nodal status in breast cancer.