THE CORRELATION BETWEEN LYMPHOVASCULAR INVASION WITH STAGING AND HISTOLOGICAL GRADING AND ITS ROLE IN INVASIVE BREAST CARCINOMA PROGNOSIS

Abstract

Background: The prognostic value of LVI in breast carcinoma has been described in several independent studies, and routine assessment of LVI is now part of the minimum data set for breast carcinoma pathology reporting. However, LVI is not incorporated in most of the internationally recognised staging systems. In this study, we aimed to determine the correlation between LVI and clinical staging and histological grading in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. This study also investigated whether the presence or lack of LVI can predict the survival of patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data obtained from reviewing archival histological material and patients’ medical records at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia. 117 female patients, aged 85 years old and/or less, diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma at all stages were included in this study. Association and correlation were performed between LVI and staging, grading of the tumour, lymph node status and the patient’s clinical outcome five years after the first diagnosis was made. D2-40 immunohistochemistry was performed on invasive breast cases to confirm the absence of LVI. Results: LVI had a significant correlation with LN involvement and distant metastasis. There was no significant correlation between LVI and histological grading. D2-40 is not a significant prognostic marker of LVI. Conclusion: LVI does correlate with clinical staging and provides a strong predictor of outcome in patients with invasive breast carcinoma and should be incorporated into the breast carcinoma staging system.