Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women and considered as the first caise of mortality in females suffering from malignant processes.axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM)is the most important predictor of survival in patient with breast carcinoma.the purpose of this study was to determine the association between the incidence of ALNM and morphologic criteria by univariate and multivariate analysis.the authors reviwed data from 180 patients with breast carcinoma,who have been treated by modified radical mastectomy in hospitals of Kerman during 1989 to 1998.approximately 130 patients (72%) had axillary lymph nodes metastasis,but 30 patients (28%) had no metastasis,multivariate analysis identified four factors as independent predictors of ALNM,such as lymphatic/vascular invasion,perineural invasion,tumoral necrosis and histologic grade,(p=<0.01).there was no independent association between lymphocytic host response or unclear pleomorphism and incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis.tumor diameter can increase the possibility of metastasis,independently of all other main factors(p<0.01),except the histologic grade of tumor may influence this possibility.pathologic features of the primary tumor can be used to estimate the risk of ALNM in patients with breast carcinoma.such a risk assessment might facilitate appropriate management.routine axillary dissection can be omitted in patients at minimal risk of ALNM,if the treatment decision is not influenced by lymph node status.