How to diagnose triple-negative breast cancer at 52?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mom’s younger sister is 52 years old. She was just diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy right now to shrink the tumor, and she is scheduled for surgery next month. The doctor gave her two options: either remove just the lump or the whole breast. She is really confused about what to do.

There is a big concern about her body image, but at the same time, she is scared about the cancer spreading if they do not take everything out. This whole thing is weighing heavily on her, and she is not sure which choice is the best for her health and peace of mind.

What option should she consider?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer are:

Changes in breast shape.
Mass or suspicious finding on a mammogram.
Breast or nipple pain.
Discharge from the nipple.
Nipple inversion.
Swelling of the breast.
A lump.
Thickening of the nipple skin.

Symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are similar to other forms of breast cancer and can include: a new lump or mass on the breast, changes in the size, shape, or feel of your breast (for example, pitting, swelling), and changes in skin texture (for example, an “orange peel” texture, puckering, dimpling, bumps, or rash)

About 80 percent to 90 percent of patients with triple-negative breast cancer are diagnosed at stages I, II, or III. This is when the disease can potentially be cured. Most patients will see a doctor after feeling a lump in their breast or noticing a change in the feel or appearance of their breasts.

It is a rare type of breast cancer. It accounts for 15 percent of all breast cancer cases. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 10 to 15 percent of all breast cancers. These cancers tend to be more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation. At stage 3, triple-negative breast cancer has grown extensively, invaded nearby tissues, and has likely spread to lymph nodes.

The immunotherapy approved for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is called Pembrolizumab. It can be used with chemotherapy or other medicines before surgery and then continued alone after surgery to treat early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer at high risk of recurrence.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.