Computer‐derived nuclear features compared with axillary lymph node status for breast carcinoma prognosis

predictions based on the nuclear feature data were cross-validated to avoid overly optimistic conclusions. The estimated accuracy of these prognostic determinations was compared with determinations based on the extent of axillary lymph node involvement. RESULTS. The predicted outcomes based on nuclear features were divided into three groups representing best, intermediate, and worst prognosis, and compared with the traditional TNM lymph node stratification. Nuclear feature stratification better separated the prognostically best from the intermediate group whereas lymph node stratification better separated the prognostically intermediate from the worst group. Prognostic accuracy was not increased by adding lymph node status or tumor size to the nuclear features. CONCLUSIONS. Computer analysis of a preoperative FNA more accurately identified prognostically favorable patients than did pathologic examination of axillary lymph nodes and may obviate the need for routine axillary lymph node dissection. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1997; 81:172 ‐ 9. q 1997 American Cancer Society.