EN
1. Breast Cancer Classification |
2. Stages description from 0 to 4 |
3. The pathology of the disease at different stages |
4. Survival rates at different stages |
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that responds well to treatment. Provided early diagnosis and timely therapy, the prognosis is favorable. The duration and quality of life of a woman with breast cancer depends on the stage of the disease that she is diagnosed with. So, with cancer in situ and stage 1, the success of treatment is 100%. In this article, you will learn how stage 0 to 4 breast cancer manifests itself and how it is treated.
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Breast cancer classification
Breast cancer stages
The stage of breast cancer shows the extent of the malignant process. The treatment protocol depends on the accuracy of the staging. The stage is diagnosed by the size of the tumor and damage to the lymph nodes and organs.
The international TNM cancer classification characterizes the following cancer criteria:
T is the size of the formation; N – involvement of regional lymph nodes in the malignant process;
M – presence / absence of metastases in organs.
Stage 0 or cancer in situ
At stage 0 breast cancer, the tumor has not yet expanded beyond the lesion. At this stage, the chances of successful treatment are highest. However, it is difficult to detect cancer at this stage. Only 5% of patients manage to detect breast cancer at this stage.
Stage 1
The tumor grows beyond the primary focus and can be up to 2 cm in diameter. Organ metastases are absent.
T1 – tumor of at least 2 cm;
N0 – there are no metastases in the lymph nodes;
M0 – organ metastases are absent.
Stage 2
The size of the neoplasm is 2-5 cm with or without metastases in the axillary lymph nodes.
T2 – tumor from 2 to 5 cm;
N1 – metastases in nearby lymph nodes;
M0 or M1 – there are no metastases in organs or there is 1 organ with metastases.
Stage 3
A neoplasm with a size of 5 cm, which metastases to nearby lymph nodes and organs (skin, chest).
T3 – tumor more than 5 cm;
N2 – metastases in 4-9 lymph nodes;
M0 or M1 – there are no metastases in organs or there is 1 organ with metastases.
Stage 4
At the fourth stage, breast cancer metastases to distant organs – lungs, liver, brain, bones, adrenal glands.
T4 – tumor size does not matter;
N3 – metastases in the lymph nodes on both sides of the chest;
M1 – metastases in organs.
The disease at different stages
In stages 0, 1 and 2, breast cancer is usually asymptomatic. In 70% of cases, patients independently detect a seal in the gland. At stage 3, discharge from the nipple, a violation of symmetry, a symptom of a lemon peel, and swelling may appear. Intoxication syndrome is also possible (sweating, weight loss, fever for a short time). There may be discomfort in the armpit on the affected side. Stage 4 breast cancer is characterized by a violation of the organs – liver, kidneys, lungs (edema, pain).
Treatment of breast cancer at different stages
Stage 0 breast cancer therapy
At stage zero breast cancer, lumpectomy is performed – a surgical procedure to remove the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it.
After a lumpectomy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy (if the tumor is hormone-dependent) are prescribed to prevent the development of cancer in the future.
Stage 1 breast cancer treatment
Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or radical removal (mastectomy).
Radiation is given to kill cancer cells that may have remained after surgery.
Chemotherapy and hormone therapy may be prescribed on an individual basis.
Stage 2 breast cancer treatment
Lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Chemotherapy before and after surgery.
Radiotherapy.
Hormone therapy for hormone-dependent cancer.
Stage 3 cancer treatment
Mastectomy.
Chemotherapy is prescribed both before surgery and after.
Radiotherapy.
Therapy with hormonal drugs in case of sensitivity of the tumor.
Stage 4 breast cancer treatment
Treatment at the last stage is palliative. It is aimed at prolonging life and improving its quality. Chemotherapy and hormonal and targeted therapy are prescribed. Life expectancy directly depends on whether metastases have affected vital organs. Therefore, one of the main methods of therapy at the metastatic stage is surgery or radiation therapy for metastases.
Survival rates at different stages of breast cancer
Half of the patients who seek treatment are diagnosed with stage 3. This is due to the absence of symptoms in the initial stages of the process. The tactics of treating such patients depends on the general condition, age and the presence of concomitant pathologies. At the same time, in foreign clinics, an interdisciplinary approach is the basis for the treatment of women with breast cancer. The prognosis of the success of breast cancer therapy is:
The prognosis of survival at 0 and 1 stages of breast cancer is 100%.
The prognosis for stage 2 is 93%.
The survival rate for stage 3 breast cancer is 72%.
The survival rate of patients with stage 4 is 22%. Patients with this stage live no more than 10 years.
In foreign medical centers, removed breast reconstruction is performed. Reconstruction can be one-step (i.e. immediately after removal) or subsequent (after some time). Also, foreign clinics provide patients with breast cancer with such additional services as: psychologist’s help, cosmetic procedures, art therapy, etc.
It should be remembered that even with an unfavorable prognosis, it is in your power to make life as comfortable and high quality as possible. Modern methods of breast cancer treatment can significantly prolong life. Leave your request – we will answer you as soon as possible and help you organize a trip to a foreign clinic for breast oncology treatment.
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