Breast Cancer Staging and Treatment Options for Patients

Breast cancer issues?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: My mother underwent surgery to remove breast cancer a few days ago, which was approximately 1.7 cm in size.
Initially, we thought it was in the early stage, but after the surgery, 20 lymph nodes were tested and all were positive (there is also suspicion of residual lymphoma due to its proximity to nerves).
I would like to ask what stage this is considered? The doctor mentioned that there is a 50-70% survival rate over 3-5 years; is this true? Is it possible to perform another surgery to clean it out completely, and would that be better? Or is chemotherapy a better option? Recently, I saw an article about a medication for lymphoma; is that true? How can it be accessed? Also, where can the treatment be implemented? How can it be used? Can it be used alongside Xiaohongmei? Can you help my mother?

Xiao Zheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/29

Dr. Xu Junzheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I apologize, but I need to consult a breast surgeon.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2006/05/29

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your mother's recent breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Understanding breast cancer staging and treatment can be complex, but I will do my best to clarify these aspects for you.

Based on the information you provided, your mother underwent surgery for a breast tumor measuring approximately 1.7 cm, and all 20 lymph nodes examined were positive for cancer. This indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor site to the lymphatic system. In general, breast cancer staging is determined by the size of the tumor, the involvement of lymph nodes, and whether there is metastasis (spread to other parts of the body). Given that your mother has a tumor size of 1.7 cm and positive lymph nodes, it is likely that her cancer is classified as Stage II or possibly Stage III, depending on additional factors such as the extent of lymph node involvement and any other findings from the pathology report.

Regarding survival rates, statistics such as a 50-70% survival rate over 3-5 years can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including the specific characteristics of the cancer (such as hormone receptor status), the patient's overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. It is essential to have a detailed discussion with your mother's oncologist, who can provide more personalized information based on her specific situation.

As for the treatment options, the decision between further surgery (to remove additional lymph nodes) and chemotherapy is a critical one. If there is concern that not all cancerous tissue has been removed, a second surgery may be considered. However, chemotherapy is often recommended in cases of node-positive breast cancer to address any remaining cancer cells that may not be detectable. Chemotherapy can help reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall survival rates.

You mentioned hearing about a new drug for lymphoma. It is essential to clarify that while there are targeted therapies for various cancers, including breast cancer, the specific treatment options depend on the cancer's characteristics. For example, if your mother's cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy may be an option. If it is HER2-positive, targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) may be used.
Regarding the use of "導蛋" (which I assume refers to a specific treatment or therapy), please consult with your mother's oncologist to understand its relevance and applicability to her case. They can provide guidance on whether it can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.

In conclusion, I strongly encourage you to have an open dialogue with your mother's healthcare team. They can provide the most accurate information regarding her stage, treatment options, and the potential benefits and risks associated with each. It is crucial to make informed decisions based on her unique situation and preferences.

Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need additional support.

Best wishes for your mother's treatment and recovery.

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