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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
what do ER-Negative,PR-Positive and Cerb B2-Negative indicate?
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
what do ER-Negative,PR-Positive and Cerb B2-Negative indicate?
by Venkatesh, Jul 01, 2008 03:51PM
Dear Docs,
My wife,47 years,has been diagnosed with left Breast Cancer.Cut surface showed a firm greyish white poorly circumscribed mass measuring 4.8 cms. in its greatest diameter.Grossly the tumour was 1 cm from skin and 2.5 cm from the base.The breast immediately adjacent to the tumour showed whitish areas,rest of the breast was unremarkable.9 lymph nodes were dissected from the axillary fat,largest measured 1.5 cm in diameter,appeared grossly metastatic.
In Microscopic findings,sections showed features of Invasive ductal carcinoma.NOS type.Histological grade II (RB Score 3+2+2).Vascular invasion is not seen.Muscle and skin are free of tumour.Base is free of tumour.Non-neoplastic breast shows lymphocytic infiltrate,otherwise unremarkable.Ductal carcinoma-in-situ is seen at the periphery of the tumour.Lymph node status : 2/9 nodes are metastatic with perinodal extension.
ER is Negative; PR is Positive and Cerb B2 is Negative.
Bone Scan is yet to be done.
What does the above mean? Is Cerb B2 being Negative a good sign?
The Oncologist has recommended Chemo ( 6 to 8 Cycles), no radiation.
I am thoroughly confused and lost.With 2 young daughters to tend to,I am at my wits' end.Could you please help me to decipher the Histopathology Report detailed above.What,according to you,could be the Optimum line of treatment?How long can she live after the treatment?
Please,please help!
God Bless.
My wife,47 years,has been diagnosed with left Breast Cancer.Cut surface showed a firm greyish white poorly circumscribed mass measuring 4.8 cms. in its greatest diameter.Grossly the tumour was 1 cm from skin and 2.5 cm from the base.The breast immediately adjacent to the tumour showed whitish areas,rest of the breast was unremarkable.9 lymph nodes were dissected from the axillary fat,largest measured 1.5 cm in diameter,appeared grossly metastatic.
In Microscopic findings,sections showed features of Invasive ductal carcinoma.NOS type.Histological grade II (RB Score 3+2+2).Vascular invasion is not seen.Muscle and skin are free of tumour.Base is free of tumour.Non-neoplastic breast shows lymphocytic infiltrate,otherwise unremarkable.Ductal carcinoma-in-situ is seen at the periphery of the tumour.Lymph node status : 2/9 nodes are metastatic with perinodal extension.
ER is Negative; PR is Positive and Cerb B2 is Negative.
Bone Scan is yet to be done.
What does the above mean? Is Cerb B2 being Negative a good sign?
The Oncologist has recommended Chemo ( 6 to 8 Cycles), no radiation.
I am thoroughly confused and lost.With 2 young daughters to tend to,I am at my wits' end.Could you please help me to decipher the Histopathology Report detailed above.What,according to you,could be the Optimum line of treatment?How long can she live after the treatment?
Please,please help!
God Bless.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jul 02, 2008 12:18PM
, Jul 02, 2008 12:18PM
Dear Vankatesh: Essentially, this report indicates that your wife has a locally advanced breast cancer. In these cases, assuming the patient is in good health, chemotherapy is generally recommended – the exact regimen to be determined by the oncologist. Cerb B2, ER, and PR status are three characteristics are used to help define prognosis and the chance of benefit from different therapies.
At this point, assuming that the bone scan is negative, the presumption is that all the cancer has been removed. The purpose of additional therapy (such as chemotherapy) is to kill any microscopic cells that may be remaining and prevent recurrence. The oncologist would be the person best equipped to discuss prognosis based on your wife’s situation. If you are concerned about the recommendations, consider a second opinion from another oncologist – preferably one who specializes in breast cancer.
At this point, assuming that the bone scan is negative, the presumption is that all the cancer has been removed. The purpose of additional therapy (such as chemotherapy) is to kill any microscopic cells that may be remaining and prevent recurrence. The oncologist would be the person best equipped to discuss prognosis based on your wife’s situation. If you are concerned about the recommendations, consider a second opinion from another oncologist – preferably one who specializes in breast cancer.
