Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Breast Biopsy Questions about the definition, risks and results of breast biopsy. |
2,996 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/15/2012 | I am 46, Hispanic. I got my pathology report today. Invasive ductal carcinoma, at least 1.2 cm Notthingham histologic grade: 2o f3, moderately differentiated. AJCC pTNM classification: at least T1c. Estrogen receptor: 94%, Progesterone receptor: 92%, proliferation rate: 78%, HER2/NEW by IHC: strongly positive (3+) HER2: CEP 17 Ratio: 3.3 Amplified HER2 mean signals per nucleus: 10.8 CEP17 mean signals per nucleus: 3.2. Dr suggested chemotherapy, I would like to know if there is an alternative to it. I will also appreciate you translating the report into "plain English," I just got the news, I am really scared | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 2/15/2012 | Thanks for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. So just simplyfying report a bit: You have an invasive ductal cancer, moderate grade (grade 2) which means basically the cancer cells are in between looking pretty normal (grade 1) vs wild and crazy (grade 3). You are estrogen and progesterone receptor positive, which is good because you can recieve some type of hormonal therapy such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, which helps in risk reduction for recurrence. Finally, you are Her2/neu positive, which means you will need to be treated with a targeted drug called Herceptin, given IV, along with some additional chemotherapy. Once you meet with your breast medical oncologist, all tghis should be explained in greater detail. Any treatment is recommended on benefit vs risk ratio-is the benefit of receiving this treatment greater then the risk...from what you have shared, chemotherapy should be of great benefit. I went thru chemo therapy, and while challenging, is very manageable! Hope this helps and best wishes! | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.