Factors associated with lymph node assessment in ductal carcinoma in situ: analysis of 1988-2002 seer data.

Background: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) represents 20-30% of mammographically detected breast cancers, but the role of lymph node assessment (LNA) in women with DCIS remains unclear.

Methods: Using the 1988-2002 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data, we conducted a case-control study to identify variables associated with (1) LNA in DCIS patients and (2) use of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) compared with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Using separate multivariable logistic regression models, we identified patient and tumor-related factors associated with LNA (1988-2002) and with the method used (recorded only in 1998-2002).