Prognostic factors in cancer of the female breast. II.Reproducibility of histopathologic classification

Abstract

The reproducibility of histopathologic classification of breast tumor tissue (nuclear grade) and of axillary lymph nodes (sinus histiocytosis) has been evaluated. In 2 independent readings, an experienced observer assigned 70% of tumor tissue slides and 70% of lymph node slides to the same classification. Two other pathologists agreed fairly well with the classification by the experienced observer. Nuclear grade and sinus histiocytosis were found to be related to patient survival on the basis of classification by each of the 3 pathologists.