Axillary nodal status and its impact on survival were reviewed retrospectively in 294 patients with carcinoma of the breast who underwent radical mastectomy. The mean follow up was 130 months (range, 61-366 months). The average number of nodes dissected was found to be 24.5, which tended to decrease with age. The central group contained 48.1% of the total number of nodes, and 70.2% of the metastatic nodes. The apical group contained 14.9% of the nodes and 8.3% of the metastatic nodes. There was no isolated apical or interpectoral node metastasis. In relation to localization, tumors under the areola carried the best prognosis, and medially located tumors had the worst (p<0.05). The total number of nodes in the axilla had no effect on survival, but the metastatic nodes directly affected survival (p<0.05). The degree of involvement of the node by tumor also had no effect on survival. The pathological staging was found to be more important in determining the prognosis.

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