Breast Cancer ER / PR.

Dear Sir/ Madam,
                         My wife 42yrs has been diagnosed as breast cancer and operated at TATA MEMORIAL CANCER RESEARCH CENTER in BOMBAY - INDIA.
Microscopic description.
1) Infiltrating duct carcinoma,Grade 2.
2) Modified bloom Richardson score 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.
3)Focal papillary type configuration noted.
4)Extensive calcification and desmoplasia  is noted.
5)EIC is negative.

Lymph Nodes:
1) Axillary nodes-fourteen reactive lymph nodes.
2)Apical nodes - single tiny reactive lymph node.

Immunohistochemistry.
CerbB2 is negative.
ER,PR is strongly positive and being repeated in the lab for test.

Impression.
Infiltrating duct carcinoma,grade 2 without nodal involvement.

Please explain me in details about ER / PR being strongly positive - and advice for the treatment.

Regards
Derrick

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

ER+/PR+ is the most common type of BC, and this receptor status is considered a good thing, because there are hormone-suppressing treatmants (such as tamoxifen and the AIs) which can greatly reduce the risk of recurrence.

This, along with the cerbB2- status, moderate grade of the tumor, and the lack of lymph node involvement are all indicators of a better prognosis.

Best wishes to both you and your wife,
bluebutterfly

[bluebutterfly2222]

p.s. ER+/PR+ means these types of cancer cells are fueled by hormones, which is why the use of the hormone-suppressing medications I referred to above can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Your wife's oncologist will no doubt discuss this type of treatment with her.

bb