About Stage 3 Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when the cells in a person's breast start growing uncontrollably.
The stage of breast cancer is based on the size and location of the primary tumor, the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, tumor grade, and the presence of biomarkers (receptors on the cancer cells).
Stage 3 breast cancer is an advanced stage of breast cancer where the cancer has spread outside of the breast and nearby lymph nodes. It is divided into three subcategories: 3A, 3B, and 3C. Here is a breakdown of each subcategory:
- Stage 3A: In some cases, no tumor may be detected in the breast, but cancer cells are found in between four and nine lymph nodes under the arm or near the breastbone. In other cases, the tumor may be larger than 5 cm and has spread to up to three lymph nodes.
- Stage 3B: The tumor can be any size and has spread to the chest wall, skin of the breast, or both. It may also have spread to up to nine lymph nodes under the arm or lymph nodes around the collarbone.
- Stage 3C: The tumor is any size and has spread into the chest wall, skin of the breast, or both.
Treatment options and outlook for stage 3 breast cancer depend on various factors such as the extent of spread, tumor characteristics, and individual health. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
The cause of breast cancer is genetic mutation in certain genes that affect the growth of cells in breast tissue. There are multiple factors that increase a person’s chances of developing breast cancer.
Non-modifiable risk factors of breast cancer are those that cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Age: Breast cancer risk increases with age, particularly in women over age 50 years
- Sex: Breast cancer is more common in females than males
- Reproductive parameters: Start of menstrual periods before age 12, delayed menopause after age 55, or delayed childbearing (first full-term pregnancy after age 30)
- Genetics: Inherited changes in certain genes (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) and family history of breast cancer. Having a close relative (such as a mother or sister) with breast cancer increases the risk.
- Exposure to radiation
- High breast density
- Race: While the total number of breast cancer incidences is higher in white women, Black women are at a higher risk of developing more aggressive forms of breast cancer, including stage 3 breast cancer.
Modifiable risk factors are those that possibly can be changed or controlled through lifestyle or behavior choices. These include:
- Excess body weight or high body mass index (BMI)
- Low physical activity or sedentary lifestyle.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking, including second-hand smoking
- Unhealthy diets
- Hormone therapy and hormonal birth control: Certain types of hormone therapy and long-term use of hormonal birth control may increase the risk.
It's important to note that while these risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, they do not guarantee that someone will develop the disease.
Symptoms of Stage 3 breast cancer include:
- New lumps or masses in the breast
- Changes to skin texture or color
- Dimpling of the breast
- Swelling in the breast
- Upper-body symptoms including pain, poor range of movement, numbness, stiffness, heaviness, achiness, tightening, tingling, or weakness
- Breast or nipple pain
- Swelling, irritation, or color changes of the breast or nipple
- Inverted nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Tender or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or in the neck area
- Changes in the overall size, shape, or appearance of the breast or nipple
It's important to note that not all types of breast cancer involve a lump. If you notice any changes in your breast tissue or experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible for further evaluation.
Breast cancer is first diagnosed, then the stage is determined.
To diagnose breast cancer, healthcare professionals use a combination of examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Breast examination: A healthcare professional will carefully examine the breasts and underarm area for any lumps, changes in texture, or other irregularities.
- Mammogram: This is a type of X-ray specifically designed for breast tissue. It creates detailed images that can detect any early signs of breast cancer, such as tumors or abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: Using sound waves, a handheld device called a sonogram creates images of the inside of the breast. This helps doctors differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): An MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of the breast. It provides additional information about the size and location of tumors.
- Biopsy: If initial tests indicate the presence of breast cancer or suspicious findings, a biopsy is performed. During a biopsy, a needle is used to obtain a small sample of breast tissue. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.
To determine the stage of breast cancer, additional tests and procedures may be performed to gather more information. This may include blood tests, lymph node biopsy, and additional imaging tests, such as CT (computed tomography), MRI, PET (positron emission tomography), or bone scans. Staging is based on:
- Tumor size
- Involvement of lymph nodes
- Spread (metastasis) of breast cancer to other parts of the body
To guide treatment, additional testing is performed to determine if the cancer cells
- Have receptors for estrogen or progesterone
- Have human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein
It's important to note that these are general procedures, and the specific diagnostic approach may vary based on individual circumstances. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.
The goals of treatment for stage 3 breast cancer are to control the growth of the cancer, prevent organ damage or pain, and improve overall survival. The treatment plan may include:
- Surgery: A mastectomy is performed to remove the cancerous tissue and nearby lymph nodes. This helps to reduce the size of the tumor and prevent its spread.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas of the body. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Hormone therapy: This treatment slows or stops the growth of cancer cells if hormones are driving their growth. It may involve medications that block hormone receptors or reduce hormone production.
- Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body. For stage 3 breast cancer, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy aims to eliminate any cancer cells that may have spread beyond the breast.
- Targeted therapy: This approach uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells without harming healthy cells. These drugs work by interfering with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
- Immunotherapy: This approach boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Health behavior changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction, can support overall treatment outcomes.
It's important to note that treatment plans may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as pregnancy status, personal history of cancer, cancer subtype, and overall health. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate combination of treatments for you.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.