Metaplastic carcinoma

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks ago.  She is 65 years old and o/w in good health.  Pathology report from her lumpectomy showed:  Invasive ductal carcinoma with areas of cartilaginous metaplasia (metaplastic carcinoma); Size 4.5 x 1.0cm; Architectural score 3/3: Nuclear score 2/3; Miotic score 2/3; Total score 7/9.  Medial margin - invasive ductal carcinoma with cartilaginous metaplasia, size 1.7cm.  The cancer is negative for estrogen, progesterone and ws negative for Her-2-neu on the biopsy.  The Her-2-neu is not yet reported on the lumpectomy sample, but I would assume it would be the same?  Ki-67 High (41%) and one of 14 nodes positive (multiple deposits in the subcapsular size measuring approx. 0.2cm in aggregate) Durint the post-surgery consult the surgeon went over many details of the path report, but never mentioned the term "metaplastic carcinoma", although it is clearly stated as the diagnosis.  She is going to have a simple mastectomy next week and it has been suggested that she will need both radiation and chemo.

I cannot find much information on metaplastic breast cancer and don't know where to turn.  Are there facilities or physicians with more experience on this type of cancer and should we consider traveling to one of these facilities?  Should we have her pathology looked at by someone else?  Should she follow "normal" breast cancer treatment guidelines.  Do you have any suggestions for further information on this cancer?  Would her prognosis be similar to that of other breast cancers?  So many questions and so little information to help me find answers...  I appreciate any help you can offer to help me get the best treatment possible for my mother.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear dcole112:  Ductal carcinoma with cartilaginous metaplasia is an uncommon subtype of ductal carcinoma.   In general, metaplastic breast cancer tends to be estrogen and progesterone receptor negative.   Although patients with this type of breast cancer are generally included in studies investigating different treatments for breast cancer, it is uncommon enough that it is difficult to draw specific conclusions as to the efficacy of typical breast cancer treatments for this particular group. Most often, metaplastic breast cancer is treated like an other breast cancer of similar stage and receptor status.  Her oncologist will be better able to discuss these questions as they pertain specifically to her situation.

[boninclyde]

The doctor will answer you here but in the mean time try going to breastcancer.org. Go to community support and join the discussion board there. Many ladies going through what you and your mother are and they are wonderful and full of info. Hope this help. I wish you and your mother well.

[dcole112]

Thanks for the suggestion about breastcancer.org and for your well wishes...  they are both greatly appreciated.