Advanced Breast Cancer Symptoms, Prognosis, and Additional Information
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) is an advanced stage of breast cancer that has only spread to local tissues, unlike metastatic breast cancer which can affect various parts of the body.
While the 10-year survival rate for invasive breast cancer that has not spread is 99%, LABC has a different outlook. The 10-year survival rate for breast cancer that spreads to local tissues or lymph nodes is 87%, and for breast cancer that spreads to distant tissues or organs, it drops to 32%.
People with LABC typically have clinical stage 3 breast cancer, which has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the chest wall, or the skin of the breast. The definition emphasizes tumor burden that is locally extensive but without distant spread, making it an advanced but still potentially curable stage of breast cancer by combined systemic and local treatments.
Key characteristics of LABC include tumors greater than 5 cm or any size with extensive lymph node involvement, spread to the chest wall and/or skin causing ulceration or swelling, and absence of distant metastasis. LABC may vary by molecular subtype, such as HER2-positive, triple-negative, or hormone receptor-positive, which influences therapy choice and response to treatment.
The only way to definitively diagnose breast cancer is through a biopsy. Doctors may also use tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and blood tests to help with the diagnosis.
Symptoms of LABC may include a large tumor, skin ulcers, tumors within the chest, enlarged lymph nodes, visual changes to the breast skin or muscles, swelling or skin color changes affecting the breast, rapid increases in breast size, inflammation, inverted nipples, and breast pain or discomfort. Anyone who discovers a lump or experiences symptoms similar to those of breast cancer should talk with their doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment for LABC typically involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials. Doctors are increasingly using neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is chemotherapy given before surgery.
A 2021 study found that among people with LABC, the 10-year survival rates for stage 3a, 3b, and 3c breast cancer were 65.1%, 41.2%, and 26.7%, respectively.
The American Cancer Society suggests that people with average risk between the ages of 40 and 44 years have the option to begin screening with a mammogram every year. People with average breast cancer risk between the ages of 45 and 54 years should get a mammogram every year. Some people with a higher risk may require earlier tests.
It's important to note that there is no universal definition for LABC, but it typically refers to breast cancer that has not spread to distant parts of the body and cannot be surgically removed. Metastatic breast cancer, on the other hand, is characterized by cancerous cells spreading to other tissues or organs around the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, and brain.
In conclusion, while LABC is a challenging diagnosis, advancements in treatment and early detection methods offer hope for those affected. Regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve outcomes. If you notice any unusual changes in your breast, don't hesitate to consult your doctor.
- Despite a 99% survival rate for breast cancer that hasn't spread, Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) has a 10-year survival rate of 87%, with a further drop to 32% when breast cancer spreads to distant tissues or organs.
- LABC, an advanced stage of breast cancer, is characterized by tumors greater than 5 cm, extensive lymph node involvement, spread to the chest wall and/or skin causing ulceration or swelling, and absence of distant metastasis.
- The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for people with average breast cancer risk between the ages of 40 and 54, with some people with a higher risk requiring earlier tests.
- LABC and metastatic breast cancer differ in their stages and treatment strategies; LABC typically refers to breast cancer that has not spread to distant parts of the body but cannot be surgically removed, while metastatic breast cancer is defined by cancerous cells spreading to other tissues or organs around the body.
