This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Surgery
In case of CA breast most prognostic factor is ? 
Select and explain. 
A. Size of tumour, B. Lymph node status, C. Presence of estrogen receptor, D. Age. of menopause
B: Lymph node status
Answer: B: Lymph node status 
Explanation: Ans is 'b' ie lymph node status "the most impoant prognostic correlate for disease free and overall survival is axillary lymph node status. Node-negative women have less than a 30% risk of recurrence, compared to as much as a 75% risk for node-positive women." - Schwaz * But remember * Lymph node status may be the single most indicator of prognosis, but 'stage of breast cancer' is a better indicator of prognosis as it includes lymph node status along with loco-regional status of cancer (i.e. size, involvement of chest or overlying skin) and metastasis [so if stage of breast cancer is among the options, it should be the answer