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- $Unique_ID{BRK02011}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Establishing a Course of Treatment for Breast Cancer}
- $Subject{lumpectomy breast cancer breasts chest radiation hormone treatments
- hormone treatment mastectomy tumor tumors metastasis staging lymph nodes lymph
- node axilla estrogen progesterone receptor assays hormone therapy biopsy
- biopsies}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{
- Anatomy of the Breast*0002601.scf
- Anatomy of the Female Chest*0005301.scf
- Simple Mastectomy*0005302.scf
- Modified Radical Mastectomy*0005303.scf
- Standard Radical Mastectomy*0005304.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Establishing a Course of Treatment for Breast Cancer
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: I had a lumpectomy done a few days ago on my right breast. The
- tumor was the size of a golf ball. Now comes the question: What should be
- done next? Radiation or hormone treatments - or should I get a mastectomy? I
- am 67 years old, and thought I was healthy. I read your column daily, please
- advise. Thank you.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: The treatments following a lumpectomy, or removal of a tumor from the
- breast (rather than removing the breast itself) depend upon a number of
- variables. Doctors have developed treatment protocols that follow precise
- guidelines that result from research on cancers of different natures, severity
- and the likelihood that it has already spread to different areas of the body
- (metastasis). The earlier the cancer is discovered and treated, the less
- likely it is that is has spread.
- A system of classification called "Staging" is used to establish
- treatment. In your case, the size of the cancer is an important factor, for
- it is small. The nature of the cancer cells that were discovered when the
- tissue was analyzed under the microscope, is another component that is taken
- into consideration. During your lumpectomy, the surgeon also removed some
- lymph nodes from your armpit area (axilla) and these too were scrutinized
- under the microscope. The findings of this examination also are considered,
- for less therapy will be required if the nodes contained no cancer cells. The
- tissues are also tested for certain proteins using the Estrogen and
- Progesterone Receptor Assays. This test gives an indication as the
- effectiveness of using hormone therapy after the lumpectomy.
- Radiation therapy is now standard for most patients after either a
- lumpectomy or simple breast removal. Mastectomy is only considered for
- patients who are poor candidates for radiation therapy.
- As you can see, your treatments will depend upon the results of your
- staging, which in turn depends upon the factors I have just described. The
- good news is that the percentage of 5 year cures has risen dramatically since
- these staging protocols have been used.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-