The immunohistochemical expression of Ki67, ER, PR (labeling indices, %) and HER-2 (IHC score, 0-3+) was compared between groups stratified by lymph node metastasis status and clinical disease stage, and correlations were assessed using Spearman rank analysis.<h4>Results</h4>Patients with lymph node metastasis had a significantly higher Ki67 labeling index and significantly lower ER and PR labeling indices than those without lymph node metastasis (all <i>P</i><0.05), whereas HER-2 IHC scores did not differ significantly between the two groups (<i>P</i>>0.05). This evidence concerns the gene ESR1 and metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.