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For practical purposes, breast cancer can be classified according to the stage (extent of spread), grade (index of aggressiveness of the cancer cells) and oestrogen receptor status (ER). These information are vital and help to predict survival and determine the treatment.
Staging is determined based on the following:
- Information regarding the tumour size and invasion of the lymph glands in the armpit based on microscopic examination of the tumour and operated specimen.
- Diagnostic Imaging Studies to study the extent of spread within the body, which includes chest x-ray, ultrasound scan of liver and bone scan.
Stage |
Extent of Spread |
5-year survival rate (%) |
0 |
Ductal Carcinoma In situ |
98 |
1 |
Early Breast Cancer |
90-95 |
2 |
Early Breast Cancer |
60-75 |
3 |
Locally Advanced |
40-50 |
4 |
Metastatic |
10-20 |
Grade is determined by examining the cancer cells under the microscope and labeling the cancer cells as grade 1 (well differentiated), least aggressive; grade 2 (moderately differentiated), moderately aggressive and grade 3 (poorly differentiated), most aggressive.
Estrogen receptors are markers found on the surface of breast cancer cells and their presence is determined by tests on the breast cancer. If present, the breast cancer is labeled estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and if absent; the breast cancer is labeled estrogen receptor negative (ER-). This has an important bearing on determining the type of systemic treatment for the patient (see treatment).
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