Breast Flashcards
When is tamoxifen used in breast cancer adjuvent therapy ?
If pt is oestrogen receptor positive and premenopausal
What is tamoxifen
oestrogen receptor antagonist
What is trastuzumab?
(Herceptin) Monoclonal antibody against extracellular domain of HER2 receptor
What is a risk factor for mastitis?
Poor latch feeding
Give 1 possible side effect of mastectomy
Lymphoedema
How do aromatase inhibitors work? (e.g. letrozole)
They block the creation of oestrogen in fat tissue
What is a side effect of aromatase inhibitors (trastuzumab)
Cardiotoxicity resulting in heart failure
What is cyclical mastalgia?
Breast tenderness which fluctuated with the menstrual cycle
What can cause cyclical lumpy breast changes?
Fibrocystic changes associated with the menstrual cycle
Describe Paget’s disease of the breast
Common in older women
eczema like rash around nipple and areola
What should every patient that has wide local excision be offered?
- Whole breast radiotherapy
2. Adjuvent radiotherapy if the tumour is positive for hormone receptors- reduces recurrence
What should make you suspicious of fat necrosis in breast?
History of trauma to the breast in an obese patient
What is the biopsy method of choice for breast lesions?
Core needle biopsy
What groups of patients should be urgently referred (2 wk wait) - breast symptoms?
- Any patient aged 30+ with unexplained breast lump
2. Any patient aged 50+ with unilateral nipple changes
What is the breast cancer screening programme in England?
All women aged 50-70 are invited to have screening every 3 years
