ABSTRACT
Malignant cells from breast cancer disseminate to regional nodes through lymphatic channels, and to distant sites through blood vessels. Most information about the significance of these metastases has been derived from evaluation of the lymph nodes. With the introduction of more sophisticated technology and the application of immunocytochemical techniques, however, investigators are now reporting on detection of malignant cells in the bone marrow and the peripheral blood. This information will assist the practitioner in formulating a better strategy for treatment of a subset of patients at greater risk for disease recurrence.
