Immunohistochemical detection of lymph node metastases in node-negative breast cancer patients.

Background: Axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients are one of the most important prognostic factors. Many previous studies have shown that in the detection of occult micrometastases immunohistochemical methods are superior when compared to routine hematoxylin-eosin staining. The aim of the study was to document the rate of missed occult micrometastases on routine hematoxylin-eosin staining in our department, in a retrospective study.