Correlation between anthropometric measurements and lymph node metastases in postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Several epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk and mortality in breast cancer of obese postmenopausal women. The higher number of lymph node metastases in these patients could contribute to poor prognosis. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the anthropometric measurements and lymph node metastases in postmenopausal women with breast cancer expressing hormone receptors (ER/PgR). Methods: Prospective study with 57 women with invasive ductal carcinoma, stage II and estrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor (ER/PgR) positivity treated in São Paulo and Pérola Byington Hospital. Anthropometric data were obtained after the diagnoses, and statistical analysis was done after surgery treatment and definitive pathology results of axillary lymph nodes dissection. Results: There was a significant association (p = 0.0329 ) between the number of axillary lymph node metastases and overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2). Almost 64% of patients with more than three lymph node metastases had more than 25 kg/m2. However, there were no statistical significance between the correlation of anthropometric measurements and the global number of axillary lymph node metastases. Conclusion: The number of axillary lymph node metastases was higher in patients with body mass index between 25 and 30 kg/m2.