DMochelle Fashions Magazine
September/October 2017
In diagnosing and staging the disease, our cancer experts use sophisticated diagnostic
tools to locate the tumor and determine whether it has spread. Your care team may also
test the tumor for specific genetic abnormalities or hormone sensitivities that suggest it
may respond to targeted therapy or other personalized treatments. If a lumpectomy,
breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy is part of your treatment plan, we offer
microsurgical and other innovative breast reconstruction techniques to help restore your
breast to a more normal appearance, when appropriate.
As part of our commitment to delivering advanced treatments when possible, your
oncologist may help determine if you are a candidate for one of our ongoing clinical
trials. Your care team may also suggest supportive care therapies to help you manage
pain, nausea, insomnia and other side effects of treatment. Explore the tabs below to
learn more about our breast cancer diagnostic tools, treatment options and supportive
care services.
Stage III Breast Cancer
Stage III breast cancer is a more advanced form of invasive breast cancer. At
this stage, the cancer cells have usually not spread to more distant sites in the
body, but they are present in several axillary
(underarm) lymph nodes. The tumor may
also be quite large at this stage, possibly
extending to the chest wall or the skin of the
breast.
Types of stage III breast cancer
Stage III breast cancer is divided into three
categories:
In stage IIIA breast cancer, one of the following is true:
No tumor is found in the breast, but cancer is present in axillary lymph nodes
that are attached to either other or other structures, or cancer may be found in
the lymph nodes near the breast bone, or
The tumor is 2 cm or smaller. Cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes that
are attached to each other or other structures, or cancer may have spread to
lymph nodes near the breastbone, or
The tumor is 2 - 4 cm in size. Cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes that
are attached to each other or to other structures, or cancer may have spread to
lymph nodes near the breast bone, or
The tumor is larger than 5 cm. Cancer has spread to axillary lymph nodes that
may be attached to each other or to other structures, or cancer may have spread
to lymph nodes near the breastbone.
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