UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER
Stage 0
Stage I
Stage II
Cancer cells are present in either the lining of the lobule or a duct but have not spread to the surrounding fatty tissue.
Cancer has spread from the lobules or ducts to nearby tissue in the breast. The tumor is 2 cm or less in diameter (approximately 2 inch or less); the lymph nodes are not involved.
Cancer has spread from the lobules or ducts to nearby tissue in the breast. The tumor can range from about 2 cm to greater than 5 cm in diameter (approximately 1 to 2 inches); sometimes the lymph nodes may be involved.
Early stages of breast cancer
Advanced stages of breast cancer
Stage III
Tumors that are 5 cm or greater in diameter (approximately 2 inches or greater); or any size tumor that has spread to axiillary (underarm) lymph nodes that are fixed (attached) to each other or surrounding tissue; or any size tumor that has spread to lymph nodes in the chest or above or below the colarbone. Tumors that have spread to other tissues near the breast may also be considered stage III. Stage III disease may also be described as locally advanced cancer.
Stage IV
Known as metastatic; cancer has spread from the breast and lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as bone, liver, lung, or brain.
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An Affiliate Chapter of Sisters Network Inc. ~ A National African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization ~
Hormone Receptor ~ A specific molecule of a cell that recognizes and binds with specific hormone molecules. In breast cancer, the presence of receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone is important for making treatment decisions.
Hormone Receptor Negative ~ In breast cancer, this means the tumor cells do not have estrogen or progesterone receptors and therefore do not depend on hormones to grow.
Hormone Receptor Positive ~ In breast cancer, this means the tumor cells have estrogen or progesterone receptors and therefore may depend on hormones to grow.
Tumor Grade ~ A way for doctors to classify cancer cells based on how abnormal they look under a microscope. Tumor grading plays a key role in treatment decisions because it can help show how quickly a tumor might grow and spread.
A breast is made up of lobules, ducts, fatty tissue, blood vessels, and lymph vessels.
The lobules are glands that make milk; the ducts are tubes that link the lobules to the nipple.
The fatty tissue surrounds the lobules and ducts.
Lymph vessels carry lymph to lymph nodes in the underarm, above the collarbone, and in the chest.
There are also lymph nodes throughout the body.
Disclaimer Notice | © 2004 Sisters Network® Inc. All rights reserved | Site Designed by Oliver Consulting Services
