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Types and Stages of Breast Cancer Questions about the different types and stages of breast cancer. |
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| 3/11/2012 | I am 54 years old and have questions regarding my recurrence of Breast Cancer. In 2003 I underwent lumpectomy of a 2 cm. tumor in my right breast, radiation, followed by 5 yr.s of Tamoxifen. Pathology results showed DCIS with microinvasion (< 0.1 cm), high nuclear grade, ER/PR +, Her2 3+, two sentinel nodes (-). The dissection was carried down to the chest wall but still two of the six margins were <0.1 cm. anteriorly and posteriorly. Recently had an excisional biopsy in the same area as my original surgery, which found DCIS with all the same characteristics except ER/PR (-). Is it possible that the original tumor had a mixture of both types of cells with (+) and (-) receptors but the majority were positive and therefore the pathology findings and after Tamoxifen only cells with negative receptors survived? Or does this indicate a new cancer? I will have a mastectomy on my right side, but am wondering if the recurrence has increased my risk of developing cancer in my left breast. I was originally told that the standard risk is 1% for each year out, up to the maximum of 25%. How long, after a 5 year course of Tamoxifen is finished, does the treatment protect you from recurrence in the other breast? Other than genetically screening of BRCA mutations and family history, which are both negative, is there a way of calculating my true risk ? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 3/11/2012 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center with your question. After 9 years post diagnosis, could argue for a recurrence vs a new primary, particulary in light of the ER negative finding. You mention Her2/neu from 2003 was 3 + for which you would have received chemo with herceptin (trastuzumab). Please seek a formal consult with a breast medical oncologist @ an Academic Medical Institution for further recommendations. If we can help, please call Sheila @ 443-287-BRST (2887). Hope this helps, and best wishes. | ||
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