Join Now
Sign In
How is it determined how aggressive a breast cancer tumor is. What measurement is used to measure the aggressiveness of breast cancer?
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
JoseEstebanMDPhD (Physician - Pathology (Verified) ) - 04 / 16 / 2012
There are multiple parameters used to determine the tumor aggressiveness. Some are histological, some molecular some clinical.
The histologic indicators are: tumor size, tumor histology, tumor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, multi-focality, and number of mitosis.
Molecular parameters include expression of estrogen and progesterone hormonal receptors; expression of HER2-neu; proliferative activity of the tumor (Ki67, mitosis) and other genetic profiles of the tumor cells as determine by molecular analysis of the cells via RNA or DNA studies such as Oncotype, Mamotomme etc. that provide a “genetic signature” of the tumor cells able to predict the aggressiveness of the tumor and guide to a certain extent the therapeutic approach.
Clinical parameters relate to the clinical and imaging findings such as palpable lymph nodes, positive scans for probable metastasis, etc.
Smaller and single size (<2 cm) tumors with pure mucinous or tubular type of histology or other histology that is well differentiated (grade 1), with no vascular/lymphatic invasion, and ER/PR positive with no overexpression of Her2 neu would be the least aggressive tumors. However, the histologic/molecular parameters are secondary to the stage of the tumor as given by the TNM staging.
Cancer staging system is routinely used to summarize some histologic/clinical characteristics of the tumors. The staging includes three letters: T is for Tumor size; N is for lymph Node metastasis and M is for distant organ Metastasis. Of the four possible stages, Stage 1 will have the best prognosis since the tumors in this group are small and there is no nodal or distant organ metastasis. It is only within the same stage that the histologic and molecular indicator acquire larger relevance.
The histologic indicators are: tumor size, tumor histology, tumor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, multi-focality, and number of mitosis.
Molecular parameters include expression of estrogen and progesterone hormonal receptors; expression of HER2-neu; proliferative activity of the tumor (Ki67, mitosis) and other genetic profiles of the tumor cells as determine by molecular analysis of the cells via RNA or DNA studies such as Oncotype, Mamotomme etc. that provide a “genetic signature” of the tumor cells able to predict the aggressiveness of the tumor and guide to a certain extent the therapeutic approach.
Clinical parameters relate to the clinical and imaging findings such as palpable lymph nodes, positive scans for probable metastasis, etc.
Smaller and single size (<2 cm) tumors with pure mucinous or tubular type of histology or other histology that is well differentiated (grade 1), with no vascular/lymphatic invasion, and ER/PR positive with no overexpression of Her2 neu would be the least aggressive tumors. However, the histologic/molecular parameters are secondary to the stage of the tumor as given by the TNM staging.
Cancer staging system is routinely used to summarize some histologic/clinical characteristics of the tumors. The staging includes three letters: T is for Tumor size; N is for lymph Node metastasis and M is for distant organ Metastasis. Of the four possible stages, Stage 1 will have the best prognosis since the tumors in this group are small and there is no nodal or distant organ metastasis. It is only within the same stage that the histologic and molecular indicator acquire larger relevance.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
Upcoming Workshops
-
Breast Cancer Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Katherine Crew, MD -
Melanoma Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Steven O'Day, MD -
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Oncology
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Manish Shah, MD -
T-cell Lymphoma
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Francine Foss, MD -
Breast Cancer Oncology
Wed., May 22nd
Expert: Linnea Chap, MD -
Cancer Support and Psychosocial Education
Thurs., May 23rd
Expert: Jeff Kane, MD -
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fri., May 24th
Expert: Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
