WISEMD Breast

Question 1

Where does breast cancer metastasize to?

Answer 1

Axillary lymph nodes and internal mammary chain

Question 2

What is the most common type of breast cancer and where does it arise? What is the less common type of breast cancer and where does it arise?

Answer 2

1) DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) is the most common type and arises in the ducts
2) LCIS (Lobular carcinoma in situ) arises in the lobules

Question 3

Why are breast cells very active?

Answer 3

Because of their role in lactation, breast cells are very active and subject to hormonal stimulation. This makes them more prone to malignant transformation

Question 4

What is the trend between incidence and mortality of breast cancer depending on age?

Answer 4

As age increases, incidence increases, but mortality decreases

Question 5

What is the triple test for breast cancer?

Answer 5

1) Clinical exam (H&P)
2) Imaging (Mammography)
3) Tissue sampling (FNA, core biopsy)

Question 6

Do diagnosis and treatment depend on risk factors for breast cancer?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

What information is important to know about a breast mass?

Answer 7

1) Length of time present
2) Change in size of a lump or shape of breast
3) Associated symptoms (discharge, pain)

Question 8

When is a mastectomy a better option than a lumpectomy?

Answer 8

1) Breast to size ratio (large lump, small breast)
2) Unifocal vs Multicentric (multiple lumps)
3) Suitable for radiation (unable to spend the time/travel, prior radiation, collagen vascular disease)
4) Patient choice
5) Unable to get negative margins for a lumpectomy