Background Early diagnosis of malignant axillary nodes in breast cancer guides the extent
of axillary surgery: patients with known axillary malignancy receive a more extensive single
operation at the same time as surgery to their breast. A multicentre randomised controlled
trial assessed whether a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the axilla could more
accurately diagnose malignant axillary lymph node involvement in patients with newly
diagnosed breast cancer when compared to usual care. Methods Patients with newly …

Methods Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer (via screening and symptomatic
routes) at two NHS Trusts in the North East of England were recruited and randomised in
equal numbers. Both groups received routine diagnostic and surgical care (usual care). In
addition, one group received a CT scan of their axilla on the same side as the breast cancer.
Results The study recruited 297 patients, of whom 291 contributed to findings. CT scan-
guided care did not result in a change in the need for a second operation, with about 20% of …