Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
at Staten Island Radiation Oncology
Breast carcinoma is a common malignancy in females. Thankfully, with current treatment regimens, cure and control of disease are often achievable.
-
In early stage breast cancer, patients are given the choice of having breast conserving therapy or mastectomy.
-
With breast conserving therapy, the breast tumor is excised and sentinel lymph / axillary nodes are sampled (patients with non-invasive breast cancer do not usually have nodes sampled). Chemotherapy is delivered if needed, based on the pathology from this surgery. After chemotherapy, radiation therapy is delivered to the breast (and sometimes to draining lymphatics). Hormonal therapy or biological therapy may be offered after chemotherapy or after radiation therapy.
-
During a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed and the nodes biopsied. Chemotherapy is delivered, if needed, after the mastectomy for invasive disease. Radiation therapy to the chest wall may be offered, depending on the pathology of the breast tissue and the lymph nodes.
-
Breast conserving surgery is as effective as mastectomy in early Breast Carcinoma.
- Risk Factors for breast cancer include:
-
- Family history of breast cancer
- Prior breast cancer
- Age over 60
- BRCA1, BRCA2 gene positivity
- over weight after menopause
- alcohol consumption
- lack of exercise
- not having children or having children at a later age
- hormone replacement therapy (estrogen) during and after menopause
- Symptoms
-
Early breast cancer is usually asymptomatic and but may be present on mammograms. Patients may find a lump or experience a change in how their breast feels. A nipple discharge may be noticed as well. Advanced breast cancers are often apparent to the patient usually with the discovery of a mass involving the breast or axilla, (lymph nodes under the arm).
- Diagnosis
-
Mammogram, ultrasound and MRI are common tests utilized in the initial diagnosis of breast cancer. An ultrasound guided needle biopsy is often performed to make the diagnosis. After the diagnosis is made, the metastatic work up performed may include CT scans of the chest/abdomen and pelvis, PET/CT scan, and bone scan.
- Staging
-
The size of the tumor, lymph node status, and the outcome of metastatic work up determines the stage of disease.
- Sources and further readings
- “About Breast Cancer.” The National Breast Cancer Foundation.
More Info » - “Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.” National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
http://www.nccn.org - “Treatment Summaries for People with Cancer.” National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
http://www.nccn.org - “Understanding Breast Cancer.” Breast Cancer.org.
More Info » - “Understanding Breast Cancer Guide.” Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
More Info » - “What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer.” National Cancer Institute.
More Info »
