Breast Workshop Flashcards
What is the most potent breast cancer gene?
BRCA 1 (85%)
What is the role of p53?
TSG which acts as a transcription factor to regulate cell lifecycle
Why is the incidence of breast cancer thought to be increasing?
Western lifestyle.
Screening.
Increasing life expectancy.
What are 4 differentials for a breast lump?
Breast carcinoma.
Fibroadenoma.
Breast abscess.
Breast cyst.
What is the triple assessment for breast cancer?
1) Clinical examination
2) Mammogram
3) Core Needle Biopsy
What percentage of women who have a mammogram will be called back for more tests?
4/100 will need more tests.
1/4 of these women will then be found to have cancer
Is a P1/2 lump that is described as soft, mobile and regular likely to be benign or malignant?
Benign
Is a P4/5 lump that is described as hard, fixed and irregular likely to be benign or malignant?
Malignant
What are 3 modifiable RF’s for breast cancer?
1) Alcohol intake
2) Obesity
3) Use of HRT/OCP
What are non-modifiable RF’s for breast cancer?
1) Age of menarche/menopause
2) Breast density
3) Genetics e.g. BRCA1/2
What is the % division between lobular and ductal types of breast cancer?
1) Lobular: 10%
2) Ductal: 70%
Why would a woman with breast cancer have chemotherapy?
1) To treat an aggressive tumour
2) To shrink a tumour before surgery
What biopsy should you do to ensure that breast cancer hasn’t spread to the axillary lymph nodes?
Sentinel node biopsy
Why might a mastectomy be indicated as opposed to a lumpectomy in someone with breast cancer?
1) Pt preference
2) If there are multiple tumours
3) If tumour large relative to size of breast
Name 2 adjuvant treatments that can be given to women with oestrogen receptor + cancer.
- Tamoxifen (pre-menopausal).
- Aromatase inhibitors (post-menopausal)
