The study of molybdenum target radiography in evaluation of metastasis axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer

Objective:To evaluate the value of molybdenum target radiography in preoperative appraisal of metastasis axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer. Methods: Total of 77 patients of breast cancer underwent breast molybdenum target radiography. The shape and size of axillary lymph nodes and tumors were observed, and contrasted with pathological diagnosis. Results: There were 94 axillary lymph nodes in 46 cases,sensitivity was 59.7%. The short diameter was from 0.6cm to 2.8cm. Average diameter 1.1cm. Among them, 58 axillary lymph nodes in 30 cases, with round or ellipse, smooth edge, clear boundary and uneven density, were confirmed nulli- metastatic. Their diameter was all less than 2.0cm. 36 axillary lymph nodes in 16 cases, with irregularity edge, unclear boundary and even density, were confirmed metastatic. Their diameter all more than 0.8cm. Furthermore, there was statistics difference in diameter of axillary lymph nodes between the two groups. Conclusion: The diameter, of axillary lymph nodes had value in appraisal of metastasis lymph nodes in breast cancer. For the nodes more than 0.8cm, the possibility of metastasis should be considered.