BACKGROUND.The radiologic images of 1-14-mm invasive breast carcinomas can be classified into 5 separate categories. The use of these mammographic indicators to predict patient outcome has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. METHODS.To verify the results of previous studies conducted with smaller numbers of patients, the authors studied the 24-year survival of 714 women with 1-14-mm invasive breast carcinoma according to mammographic prognostic factors. The association of mammographic features with lymph node status, histologic malignancy grade, and 24-year survival in 714 women with invasive breast carcinomas that measured 1-14 mm also was evaluated. Adjustments were made for tumor characteristics and treatment factors in the survival analysis.

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The advent of mammography has substantially enhanced the possibilities for less radical treatment. There is an urgent need for therapeutic trials utilizing mammographic-pathological correlations to ascertain in advance which tumours can and which cannot benefit from more radical therapy.