A correlation between oestrogen receptors and tumour size in primary breast cancer.

Oestrogen receptor (OR) assay has an essential role in selecting therapy for breast cancer patients, OR status is probably also of prognostic value. The correlation between the size of the primary tumour and OR status was evaluated in 100 women with breast cancer. In 72 post-menopausal patients the OR average level was significantly higher in large primary tumours--T2, T3, when compared to OR levels of T1 tumours. In the 28 pre-menopausal women, this difference was not statistically significant. No correlation between OR level and stage of disease was found. Women presenting with large primary tumours do not necessarily have a poor prognosis.