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What Does Triple Negative Breast Cancer Look Like

What Is A Breast Papilloma And Is It Cancer

What is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, and How is it Treated?

Also called intraductal papilloma, a breast papilloma is a small, wartlike growth in the breasts milk ducts. This benign condition may cause a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple, or you may feel a small lump behind or next to the nipple. Having one papilloma does not raise your breast cancer risk, though having several of these growths;has been linked to higher risk.;

A Note About Statistics

Survival rates are statistics, and as such tend to tell us how the “average” person will do with an “average” triple-negative breast cancer; but people and tumors aren’t statistics. Some people will do better and some people will do worse.

Very importantly, statistics are usually several years old. In order to calculate five-year survival rates, a person would have to have been diagnosed at least five years prior. And still there is lag time. The treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is changing, and new drugs have been approved.

A Lump In The Breast And Nipple Discharge Are Some Of The Warning Signs

Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have any of the three receptors that contribute to some types of breast cancer growth. Approximately 10-20% of breast cancers are diagnosed as triple-negative breast cancer, and its more likely to occur in younger people, African Americans or Hispanics, and those with a BRCA1 gene mutation.

While treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is different than the treatments used for other types of breast cancer, the symptoms are similar.

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Results From A Breast Biopsy Play A Crucial Role

Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer which makes up approximately 10% to 15% of breast cancer diagnoses. This type of breast cancer means that the three most common types of receptors responsible for tumor growth in the breast are missing, so standard routes of treatment which target these receptors will not be effective. This can make the prognosis for triple-negative breast cancer worse than estrogen receptor positive breast cancer in the first five years after diagnosis. Once a patient with a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis has been in remission for longer than five years, the differences in prognosis are reduced.

Diagnosing triple-negative breast cancer doesnt take any additional time due to the lack of these receptors compared to other forms of breast cancer. What can cause a delay in diagnosis is a lapse in awareness, whether it be neglecting self-checks, physical examinations, or frequent mammograms, depending on your age.

We Chatted With Dr Fergus Couch To Learn More About A New Study

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, we caught up with longtime BCRF grantee Dr. Fergus Couch to discuss his newly published research, a study that found that most patients with triple negative breast cancer would benefit from genetic testing.

In the study, 15-16 percent of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease, were found to have genetic mutations, including BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, that predispose them to breast cancer. In breast cancer patients overall, that figure is much loweronly 5 percent of women have risk-elevated mutations.

The study also found that the breast cancers in women with mutations in predisposition genes emerged at an earlier age and had higher-grade tumors than in those without mutations.

Based on these findings, Dr. Couch and his team decided to study whether current guidelines for determining which women should be tested for genetic mutations were appropriate. In the United States, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends screening for triple negative breast cancer patients when theres a family history or a diagnosis under 60 years old. While NCCN guidelines work well here in the U.S., missing only 1 percent of patients carrying mutations, guidelines in other countries miss a significant number of mutation carriers. With his research, Dr. Couch is hoping to demonstrate the importance of genetic testing to ensure women around the world are fully informed about their risk.

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Re: What Does Triple Negative Mean

Because the 10 year survival is 75% this means at least 75% of women with TNBC will be alive in 10 years time and because we know it’s pretty much cured by 8 years those 75% are still very likely to be around in 20 years time…. But they have now started keeping figures for twenty years, but they won’t be available for a while yet as it’s only recently changed to 10 year survival stats.

Age Race Or Ethnicity

Several studies suggest that being premenopausal or of African ancestry increases your risk of developing basal-like or triple-negative breast cancer. Among African-American women who develop breast cancer, there is an estimated 20 to 40 percent chance of the breast cancer being triple-negative. Researchers do not yet understand why premenopausal women and women in some ethnic groups have higher rates of triple-negative breast cancer than other groups of women.

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Early Stage Clinical Trials

In a proof of concept study published in the Lancet, authors investigated olaparib in patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer with germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. They investigated two doses of olaparib at 400 mg BD and 100 mg BD. Approximately half of patients in this study had TNBC with the remainder having other histological subtypes. Patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 3 prior chemotherapy regimens and platinum sensitivity was not needed for trial enrolment. Overall response rates were impressive in this heavily pre-treated population at 41% in the group receiving the higher dose and 22% in the group receiving the lower dose.

Kaufman et al investigated olaparib further in a large phase 2 basket trial with 298 patients in a single-arm study. Patients with any advanced solid-organ malignancy were included if they harboured a gBRCA mutation. In the breast cohort, patients may have received multiple lines of treatment and there was no requirement for platinum sensitivity. Response rates were modest with only 8 of 62 patients responding in this unselected population.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Pictures

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Lumpectomy Reveal What Does It Look Like How do you feel After!

There are several other symptoms that can be confused with Inflammatory Breast Cancer , leading to wrong self diagnosis. Only a qualified medical doctor or oncologist can determine the actual Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms through breast physical exam and consequent diagnostic test. Below we are giving Breast Cancer Symptoms Check List:

  • Swollen or thick skin on the nipple
  • A mass or red lump can be felt in the breast which normally cant be felt
  • Enlarged lymph nodes may be there in the underarm or near the collarbone
  • Flattening or retraction of the nipple
  • Shooting or stabbing pain
  • Constant itching rash on breasts which cant be relieved with cream
  • A warm feeling in the breast
  • A tender, firm and enlarged breast
  • Breast bruise on one side or both

If one or more of these symptoms continue for more than a week, talk to a physician immediately.

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A Triplet Of Treatments:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Weve collected together some phenomenal resourcesfor you so click on the links below to get reading and then come join us on so you can share your own ideas, thoughts and advice with us!

    Last weeks post, Biopsy Basics, gives a very;broad overview about the whys and whats about breast tissue biopsies but because this is such;VITAL information well be whittling right down key medical essentials;for you. eg. showing you what each type of breast cancer looks like under the microscope, and also expanding on each particular cancers clinical definition.

    Receiving A Triple Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis

    Brown-Tatum is far from the only person whose world shook after a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis.

    In July 2015, at 62, Deborah Smith was told she had stage IV metastatic triple negative breast cancer. It was like the rug was pulled out from under me, Smith, now 66, tells SELF. I remember waking up the next morning and remembering, I have breast cancer. It all came rushing back. She says that she became hyper-focused on her breathing, realizing that she would one day draw a breath and never take another one.

    However, Smith, a former scientist, is a pragmatist. A couple of days later, I realized that triple negative breast cancer or not, I was always going to take my last breath one day, she says. So she started reading up on the disease. I like to have all the information, even if its bad, she explains.

    Smith also found support from other people who were, unfortunately, familiar with how life can change due to cancer. A friend of hers was diagnosed with melanoma at the same time, so they each had someone who could relate to cancer-specific problems, she says. And Smiths partner, David, stepped up to do all the cooking, cleaning, and zipper-fastening she couldnt manage during the worst of chemotherapy. Despite the hard days, she says she felt lucky to have the support and resources available to her.

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    Immunogenic Potential Of Tnbc

    The tumour microenvironment plays an important role in defining the interaction of our immune system with tumours. In TNBC, the TME is characterized by higher levels of vascular endothelial like growth factor , tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour associated macrophages in contrast to other types of breast cancer. Additionally, there is a high level of expression of TILs in patients with TNBC. These have been shown to be a useful prognostic indicator across malignancies. TNBC has been shown to have consistently elevated TILs in contrast to other subtypes and TILs have been shown to be associated with improved survival. Ibrahim et al found that patients with lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer had a 40% pathological complete response rate compared to 7% of those patients without. High TILS are more frequent in TNBC compared to HER2-positive and luminal tumours and are associated with improved disease free survival and OS in early stage breast cancer. This is consistent with findings in other malignancies demonstrating the important role of the immune system in cancer biology and prognostication. All of these features demonstrate that the TME of TNBC is highly immunogenic.

    When A Diagnosis Means A Reevaluation

    Triple

    Receiving a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer has, understandably, had ripple effects in both Smiths and Brown-Tatums lives.

    Smith made some major changes, starting with cutting back on her work hours and buying a house outside New York City, where she gets to garden when the weather is good. And she got a puppy, a poodle named Pagan. I love himhes always so happy to see me, she says happily.

    Smith also says that small irritations like traffic dont bother her anymore after going through cancer, and shes prioritizing checking a lot of goals off her to-do list. She and David started taking trips during her treatment, sticking close to their New York home at first with road trips, then, when Smith was feeling better, traveling to France and Italy. Shes making her way down a list of books shes always wanted to read too. At the top of her list was Neanderthal Man: In Search of Lost Genomes by Svante Pääbo, the man who sequenced the Neanderthal genome using technology Smith herself had used in her work as a scientist.

    As for Brown-Tatum, her life changes started the night she was told she had cancer. I knew I was going to be a mess if I just sat there for the next few hours, she says. So I went shopping at Macy’s for red high heels.

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    Treating Triple Negative Breast Cancer

    Triple negative breast cancer can be treated with a combination of

    Research has shown chemotherapy generally has a larger benefit for triple negative breast cancer compared to oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer is often given before surgery. The drugs used are likely to include carboplatin or cisplatin.

    Some breast cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy and HER2 targeted therapies are of no benefit to people with triple negative breast cancer.

    What Is The Survival Rate For Triple Negative Breast Cancer

    Survival rates are a way to discuss the prognosis and outlook of a cancer diagnosis. The number most frequently mentioned is 5-year survival. Many patients live much longer, and some die earlier from causes other than breast cancer. With a constant change and improvement in therapies, these numbers also change. Current 5-year survival statistics are based on patients who were diagnosed at least 5 years ago and may have received different therapies than are available today.

    Below are the statistics from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database for survival of all patients with breast cancer, by tumor stage:

    Stage
    IV 22%

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    Have There Been Any Recent Breakthroughs

    In 2018, a clinical trial part-funded by Breast Cancer Now found that for women with secondary triple negative breast cancer and a BRCA gene mutation, carboplatin outperformed standard chemotherapy, giving women extra time before their disease progressed.

    Scientists at our Research Unit at Kings College London have also recently identified a target for new antibody-based treatments for triple negative breast cancer. Researchers have shown that triple negative breast cancer cells make high levels of a protein called the folate receptor alpha. They found that antibody-immunotherapies which targeted this protein significantly reduced the growth of triple negative tumours in mice. The team now hope to further develop and refine these novel approaches, with the aim of advancing them into clinical trials.

    I Have Triple Negative Breast Cancer What Can I Do To Help Myself

    Triple Negative Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

    You already took the first step when you decided to help yourself. Many times cancer makes people feel as if theyve lost control of their lives. Committing to self-care is one way to overcome that feeling. Here are some things you can do during and after your treatment:

    • Triple negative breast cancer is a rare and often misunderstood illness. Many people dont realize this cancer cant be treated the same as other breast cancers. As a result, you might feel isolated and alone with your cancer. If that happens, your healthcare provider can direct you to TNBC support groups and programs where you can talk to people who understand your experience.
    • Youll probably need or want help while youre going through treatment. Your friends and family likely are anxious to do what they can. Let them know how they can help you.
    • If you will need cancer surgery, ask your healthcare provider what to expect immediately after surgery and any follow-up treatment. Knowing what to expect will help you focus on what you can control rather than what you cant control.
    • Cancer is stressful. You might find activities such as meditation, relaxation exercises or deep breathing exercises help to ease your stress.
    • Chemotherapy treatments might affect your appetite. Try to eat a healthy diet, and talk to a nutritionist if you’re having trouble eating.
    • Radiation treatment can leave you feeling exhausted. Plan to rest as much as possible during your treatment.

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    Treatment For Triple Negative Breast Cancer

    The main treatments for triple negative breast cancer are;surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The treatment you need depends on:

    • where the cancer is

    You might have surgery to remove:

    • an area of the breast
    • the whole breast

    When you have your surgery, the surgeon usually takes out some of the;lymph nodes;under your arm. They test these nodes;to see if they contain cancer cells. The surgeon might check the lymph nodes closest to the breast using a procedure called;sentinel lymph node biopsy. Testing the lymph nodes;helps to find the stage of the cancer and decide on further treatment.

    After breast conserving surgery you usually have radiotherapy;to the rest of the breast tissue.

    Breast Cancers Survival Is Influenced By Tumor Grade

    Grade identifies the size and shape of the malignant breast cancer cells. At the event the breast cancer cells look very different than normal breast tissue cells, and random in appearance, they can be called, that was badly differentiated and described as âhigh gradeâ. Higher level breast cancer cells tend to really have a poorer prognosis.

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    How Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer Different From Other Types Of Breast Cancer

    Inflammatory breast cancer differs from other types of breast cancer in several ways:

    • IBC doesn’t look like a typical breast cancer. It often does not cause a breast lump, and it might not show up on a mammogram. This makes it harder to diagnose.
    • IBC tends to occur in younger women .
    • African-American women appear to develop;IBC more often than white women.
    • IBC is more common among women who are overweight or obese.
    • IBC also tends to be more aggressiveit grows and spreads much more quicklythan more common types of breast cancer.
    • IBC is always at a locally advanced stage when its first diagnosed because the breast cancer cells have grown into the skin.
    • In about 1 of every 3 cases, IBC has already spread to distant parts of the body when it is diagnosed. This makes it harder to treat successfully.
    • Women with IBC tend to have a worse prognosis than women with other common types of breast cancer.

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