Abstract:

With the development of the times, the comprehensive treatment technology of breast conserving or modified radical mastectomy plus radiotherapy for breast cancer has become more mature and perfect. As the first station of lymphatic drainage of breast, internal mammary lymph nodes have been paid much attention. At present, there is a controversy about whether the internal mammary lymph nodes are irradiated or not. Previous studies have shown that local lymph nodes irradiation containing internal mammary lymph nodes has survival benefit value. However, as a part of regional lymph nodse irradiation, internal mammary lymph nodes irradiation has also been proved to increase the toxicity of heart and lung, which leads to some research institutions and scholars to remain skeptical about internal mammary lymph nodes irradiation. In recent years, with the improvement of radiotherapy technology and equipment and the accumulation of clinical experience, more and more scholars tend to accept internal mammary lymph nodes radiotherapy. But we should pay attention to the indications of internal mammary lymph nodes irradiation, in order to select appropriate treatment options to achieve real benefits.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Internal mammary lymph node, Radiotherapy