Breast cancer Flashcards
Diagnosis of breast cancer
US (small firm breasts) .
Mammogram (larger, softer breast tissue).
MRI in case of breast implants.
Histology sample via needle or core biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treat with lumpectomy or mastectomy if negative margins cannot be
achieved.
Radiation and systemic chemotherapy are used less often depending on the specific lesion in question.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) treatment is variable, but may include close observation, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and prophylactic bilateral mastectomy.
For all small lesions (typically <1 cm) without lymph node involvement there is
no need for postsurgical chemotherapy. However, for large lesions in premenopausal women, systemic chemotherapy is recommended after surgery.
For post-menopausal women with large lesions or lymph node
involvement, either chemotherapy (taxanes) or Tamoxifen/Herceptin is
recommended, depending on the status of the estrogen receptor.
