Microinvasive carcinoma of the breast is a controversial entity for a number of reasons. First, the identification of areas of microinvasion is often problematic for the pathologist. Second, varying definitions for this lesion have been used by different authors. Third, studies of microinvasive carcinoma have been limited by small patient numbers. As a consequence, there are differences of opinion regarding both the clinical significance of microinvasion and the management of patients with this lesion. The purpose of this article is to review the controversies surrounding microinvasive carcinoma of the breast.
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