Stage 2 breast cancer is curable. Stages (degrees) of breast cancer

The second stage of breast cancer implies that the oncological process is at a fairly early stage of formation. Timely taken therapeutic measures allow a woman to get rid of the tumor and recover.

Stage 2 breast cancer will be characterized by:

the tumor does not exceed 3.5-5 cm in size;
single presence possible cancer cells in the lymph nodes adjacent to the mammary gland;
pain symptoms are minimal;
a woman rarely feels changes in her own well-being.

Specialists in breast cancer conditionally distinguish several stages of the course of the tumor process:

at 2A, the size of the tumor focus is minimal - no more than two centimeters, cancer cells are diagnosed in no more than 1-3 nearest axillary lymph nodes, a five-year survival rate with appropriate treatment reaches 75-80%;
at stage 2B, the size of the tumor reaches 2 or more centimeters, however, it rarely exceeds 5 cm, but there are 3 or more secondary lesions of the nearest lymphatic structures.

The course of stage 2 breast cancer is influenced by the structure of the neoplasm, the age of the woman, and her hormonal background. relatively favorable in women. If a woman applied for medical care.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

A woman should be suspected of the appearance of second-degree breast cancer if she finds a site of compaction during the next self-examination of the breast, which is recommended for all representatives of the beautiful part of the population.

In addition, changes in the color of the integumentary tissues should be alert - local darkening of the skin, or the acquisition of a marbling shade by it. Visually, retraction of tissues, wrinkling can be noted. The nipple can also change its shape, retract into the gland.

In addition to all of the above, breast cancer of the 2nd degree can be suspected by an increase in axillary lymph nodes - single or immediately their groups. A woman's body temperature periodically or daily rises - to subfebrile figures. And the fulfillment of daily duties becomes difficult - due to increasing weakness.

Even a good rest does not return the woman's strength, her appetite worsens and weight begins to decrease. All these symptoms and Clinical signs should be considered in their totality, since individually they can talk about other pathologies of the female reproductive system. For example, fibrocystic mastopathy. What is breast cancer and all its symptoms you can.

Life expectancy in breast cancer

The diagnosis of a woman is stage 2 breast cancer, which means that the tumor affects not only the breast tissue itself, but also neighboring organs. Specialists often indicate lymphostructures - they are the first to react to the appearance of an oncological process.

The average period of the course of breast cancer in a woman at stage 2A-B can reach 10-12 years. However, if the disease is not treated in time, then the tumor passes to, which significantly shortens life. The prognosis of five-year survival decreases from 60-80% to 30-45%.

The forecast will be influenced by:

tumor structure - sarcomas progress faster, metastasize more often;
sizes - large foci are more difficult to remove, metastases appear more often from them;
age - in the premenopausal and postmenopausal moment of life, the hormonal background of a woman creates more favorable conditions for the rapid progression of the tumor;
location - the localization of the focus of cancer in the depths of the mammary gland is more difficult to diagnose, which is why the tumor is diagnosed later.

The specialist will be able to say the final diagnosis and prognosis of the life expectancy of a woman with a malignant neoplasm only after conducting an appropriate examination, such as, for example.

Features of the diagnosis of breast cancer

In addition to a thorough history taking - when the appearance of a seal in the breast in a woman was noted, whether there were already cases of breast cancer in the family, a physical examination is performed. A gynecologist or mammologist palpates each breast lobule, as well as all groups of nearby lymph nodes.

If the suspicion of the presence of a tumor is confirmed, it is required to establish its exact localization and size, as well as the structure and involvement of neighboring organs in the process. For this purpose, a woman with a preliminary diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer is sent for laboratory and instrumental examinations.

Basic examinations:

mammography - an x-ray examination of the dense tissues of the gland, which allows to establish the location and size of the tumor;
Ultrasound - visualization of all structures of the gland, involvement in the process of lymph nodes;
MRI - layer-by-layer examination of the mammary gland, which allows you to more accurately examine the organ from different points;
biopsy - the study of biomaterial, establishes the structure of the cancer process.

In addition, chest x-ray, endoscopic examination of the intestines, stomach, ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis, blood tests are definitely recommended. Only after analyzing all the information, the diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by a specialist or refuted.

Breast cancer treatment tactics and prognosis

The course of the cancerous process in the mammary gland in women at the 2nd stage of its formation lends itself perfectly to modern schemes anticancer treatment. The main secret of success is timely seeking medical help.

The main method of fighting a tumor is, of course, her. The volume of surgical intervention will depend on the location of the neoplasm in the woman's breast, its structure, as well as the involvement of neighboring tissues and organs in the process. So, at stage 2A, it is quite possible to hope for the most organ-preserving surgery and a high percentage of five-year survival.

Whereas at stage 2B, the prognosis is already somewhat different - most often it is necessary to remove the entire gland, since the size of the tumor is quite large and several groups of lymph structures are affected by cancer. After a radical mastectomy, a woman’s life is saved by a specialist - for decades she can do without one of the mammary glands, for example, by performing plastic surgery in the future. But the risk of tumor recurrence is minimized.

In addition to excision of the tumor, radiation therapy is mandatory. Its goal is to reduce the size of the oncological focus, to suppress the growth and reproduction of cancer cells. Chemotherapy at stage 2A in the mammary gland in women is rarely resorted to. Only if surgical excision is performed, or radiation therapy is not possible.

In most cases, oncologists quite successfully manage to cope with tumors of the female reproductive system - the prognosis of a five-year survival rate at stage 2 in the mammary gland with appropriate treatment reaches 75-85%.

Oncological diseases at the present stage of development of society have firmly taken a leading position among the causes of disability and mortality. Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor in women. Malignant neoplasms are a pathology in which it is extremely important to diagnose the disease at an early stage of its development. These diseases include stage 2 breast cancer.

Definition of second stage breast cancer

The human species belongs to the class of mammals that feed offspring with breast milk. To perform this task in the human body, a special anatomical formation is adapted - the mammary gland. The organ is located on the anterior surface of the chest and is paired. The mammary gland is fully developed only in women, in men it is present in its infancy. The anatomical basis of the organ is a lobular glandular tissue, the cells of which produce breast milk. A significant part of the breast is made up of accumulations of adipose tissue both in the organ itself and behind it (retromammary adipose tissue). Breast milk according to the system of special gaps - the milky passages - it is excreted through the nipple and serves to feed the child. In the immediate vicinity of the mammary gland there is a pectoralis major muscle and accumulations of lymphoid tissue - lymph nodes.

Stage 2 breast cancer is a medical term that implies a tumor node in the gland no larger than 2 centimeters in size with signs of involvement in the pathological process of the nearest lymph nodes, or the absence of them with a size of education from two to five centimeters.

Classification

Breast cancer of the 2nd degree is divided into several types.

According to the type of growth of the tumor focus, the malignant process of the mammary gland is divided into:
- non-invasive, in which the malignant focus has clear boundaries and is not inclined to germinate the underlying tissues;
- infiltrative, characterized by aggressive tumor growth of adjacent healthy tissues;
According to the nature of the tissue that is the source of the tumor, breast cancer is divided into:
- ductal, in which the source of the tumor is the cells of the lactiferous passages;
- lobular, in which glandular tissue is transformed into a malignant tumor;
- unspecified, in which the tumor in its structure does not contain any signs of the original tissue;
Special forms of cancer:
- Paget's cancer - a malignant tumor of the nipple of the breast;
- triple-negative breast cancer is a tumor that is insensitive to the influence of female sex hormones;
- atypical medullary cancer is characterized by the presence of a microscopic picture of the tumor in the form of a chaotic accumulation of huge cells;
- papillary cancer, in which the malignant neoplasm looks like papillary growths under the microscope;

Microscopic picture of different types of breast cancer

Microscopic picture of ductal breast cancer Microscopic picture of non-invasive breast cancer Microscopic picture of infiltrative breast cancer Microscopic picture of medullary breast cancer

Causes and development factors

The formation of a malignant tumor is always based on the appearance of cells with a modified set of genes. Such cells appear daily in all organs, but they immediately fall under the vigilant control of the main defender - immune system. Its mechanisms track genetically modified cells and eliminate them. With age, a well-established system fails, missing the appearance of malignant cells in one or another part of the body. Of these, in turn, a primary tumor focus is formed in a short time.

A malignant neoplasm has a number of characteristic features. The oncological process is primarily characterized by rapid growth rates and its aggressive nature: tumor cells are able to germinate any kind of neighboring healthy tissues. The second feature is the migration of tumor cells to the nearest lymph nodes and distant organs with the formation of secondary foci of tumor growth - metastases. Malignant cells consume a huge amount of nutrients. To feed itself, the tumor releases special substances into the bloodstream, forcing the body to build new blood vessels to deliver the necessary substances. The malignant tissue does not respond to the body's chemical regulatory signals.

Risk factors for developing cancer include:

pregnancy, childbirth and abortion;
the presence of pathology in relatives;
radiation therapy of this area for other diseases;
long-term use hormone therapy;
malignant tumors of the uterus and ovaries;
chest injury;

Clinical picture

The clinical picture of grade 2 breast cancer consists of primary symptoms due to the presence of primary focus in the gland, as well as signs of metastatic lesions of nearby lymph nodes.

The first signs include:

Symptoms of a metastatic lesion include:

enlargement of nearby lymph nodes;
soreness of the lymph nodes during probing;
adhesion of enlarged lymph nodes to each other;

Clinical aspects of breast cancer - video

Diagnostic methods

To establish the diagnosis of stage II breast cancer, the following examinations are necessary:

a thorough examination by a doctor in order to determine the timing of the onset of the disease and other details;
palpation examination of the chest to determine the presence of a seal in the gland;
palpation examination of the nearest lymph nodes in order to identify signs of metastatic lesions;
the study of gland tissue using ultrasound allows you to determine the consistency of the tumor, its size;
a study of the lymph nodes using ultrasound is performed to identify signs of the presence of secondary tumor foci;
x-ray examination of breast tissue allows you to accurately localize the tumor and find out its size;
computed (magnetic resonance) tomography is used to visualize the tumor, its size and location, as well as to identify secondary metastatic foci;
targeted biopsy of the tumor with a needle is necessary to obtain a sample of malignant tissue with the subsequent establishment of its type during microscopic examination;

Differential diagnosis of breast cancer is carried out with the following pathologies:

fibroadenoma - benign tumor mammary gland from connective and glandular components;
lipoma - a benign tumor of adipose tissue;
mastopathy;
retention cyst due to blockage of the lactiferous passage and prolonged accumulation of contents in a confined space;
lipogranuloma - limited compaction of the adipose tissue of the gland;
angioma - a benign tumor from the accumulation of dilated vessels;
additional mammary gland;

Treatment of the disease

Cancer treatment is supervised by a team of specialists led by an oncologist and includes several stages.

Surgery

The first stage in stage 2 breast cancer is the removal of the entire breast (mastectomy) and nearby lymph nodes (lymph node dissection) under general anesthesia. The removed organ is carefully examined at the microscopic level in order to determine the type of tumor and the degree of its spread. In the postoperative period, it is planned to stay in the intensive care unit in order to control vital parameters: pulse, blood pressure oxygen saturation of the blood. Subsequently, it is necessary to use physiotherapy exercises in order to prevent edema of the upper limb on the side of the operation. For cosmetic purposes, corrective underwear is recommended.

Hormonal treatment

Hormonal drugs are used to block the effect of sex hormones on tumor growth and recurrence. With triple-negative cancer, these drugs are not prescribed. Hormonal treatment includes the use of the following medicines: Goserelin, Aromasin, Tamoxifen.

Chemotherapeutic treatment

Chemotherapy of the tumor process is carried out under the guidance of a chemotherapist. The basis of the action of drugs is their ability to inhibit the growth of malignant tumors and prevent recurrence. For this purpose, drugs Doxorubicin, Cisplatin are used. However, drugs have a downside, since they affect all rapidly dividing cells in the body. First of all, the red bone marrow cells responsible for the production of various cellular components of the blood suffer. Consequence this process is a decrease in the production of red erythrocyte cells (anemia) and white cells (leukocytes) with the formation of increased susceptibility to infections. Chemotherapeutic treatment is carried out under conditions of monitoring of hematopoietic function and may include several courses of drug administration.

Drugs used to treat breast cancer

Tamoxifen is powerful hormonal drug
Aromasin - a blocker of the action of sex hormones
Zoladex is used in hormone therapy
Cisplatin has a powerful chemotherapeutic effect Nexavar is used for targeted therapy

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy involves the influence of targeted X-ray radiation on tumor cells in order to eliminate them. These procedures are carried out in the conditions of the radiology department under the supervision of a radiologist. During treatment, the same monitoring is carried out as during chemotherapy.

Targeted Therapy

One of the most important factors in the existence of a tumor in the body is the germination of new vessels into it under the influence of specific substances secreted by malignant cells. The basis of targeted therapy is the use of drugs - blockers of this process. To similar medicines include Nexavar, Avastin.

Diet

During the entire period of treatment, it is necessary to follow the recommended diet.

whole grain bread;
brightly colored berries;
freshly squeezed juices;
dairy products;
sea fish;
seafood;
green tea;

Marine fish - a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids Fruit desserts - a source of nutrients Fresh vegetables are a source of vitamins Fresh fruits contain many vitamins Green tea contains many antioxidants Dairy products are a source of calcium Pomegranate - a source of antioxidants In breast cancer, it is preferable to eat wholemeal bread

Stage 2 is considered one of the most common forms of cancer. Mostly women suffer from it, as indicated by statistics, although there have been cases when this pathology also affected men. Medicine is constantly fighting the disease: there are new methods for diagnosing and treating cancer of varying degrees, significantly increasing the life expectancy of patients.

Malignant tumor of the breast 2nd degree

Cancer of the 2nd degree is considered to be an early form of development of pathological changes. But there are cases when the malignant process affects the surrounding tissues and a large number of lymph nodes, which is typical for the later stages.

The development of stage 2 breast cancer can be detected by the following signs:

the presence of a neoplasm in the gland ranging in size from 2 to 5 centimeters (or more) without damage to the lymph nodes;
damage to the axillary lymph nodes on the affected side;
the absence of adhesions of the tumor or lymph nodes with adjacent tissues or with each other.

It is fundamentally important to divide cancer into stages, since it is this indicator that becomes fundamental when planning further treatment, preserving the organ during surgery, and ensuring a positive outcome.

The exact causes of the tumor are currently being studied. However, there are known factors that predispose to the disease:

hormonal imbalance;
hereditary predisposition;
elderly age;
obesity;
benign neoplasms in the past;
poor environmental conditions;
production hazards.

Treatment strategies different options cancer will be different. Even the second stage of the process is divided into sub-stages (2A and 2B), each of which has its own characteristics and needs a certain therapy.

There are 2 substages of stage 2 breast cancer:

2A stage. Has 3 options:
1. In the first case, the tumor is practically not determined, but there is a lesion of individual lymph nodes.
2. In the second, there is an increase in education up to 2 cm with damage to nearby lymph nodes.
3. The third variant is characterized by an excess of the tumor size of 2 cm, but less than 5 cm, without damage to the lymph nodes.
2B stage. Has 2 options:
1. At the first, the size of the formation exceeds 2 cm, but does not reach 5 cm, the lymph nodes are affected.
2. In the second, the tumor grows more than 5 cm, but does not affect the surrounding tissues.

Varieties of breast cancer stage 2 - photo gallery

In the first variant of stage 2A, the tumor is difficult to determine, the lymph nodes are affected In the second variant of stage 2A, the size of the tumor reaches 2 cm, the lymph nodes are affected In the third variant of stage 2A, the size of the tumor does not reach 5 cm, but already exceeds 2 cm, the lymph nodes are not damaged by metastases In the first variant of stage 2B, the size of the tumor exceeds 2 cm, but does not reach 5 cm, there are metastases in the axillary lymph nodes In the second variant, stage 2B, the size of the tumor is 5 cm or more, the lymph nodes are not affected

Adhesions between the lymph nodes indicate that the disease has already passed into the next stage.

Classification of second stage cancer

Making a diagnosis of breast cancer and determining the stage of the process is of key importance for further therapy of the disease. Surgery or ultraviolet irradiation may have some similarities in treatment, in contrast to prescriptions associated with chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapy, which have very significant differences.

Classification is carried out taking into account the spread of the tumor to nearby areas, as well as the presence or absence of metastasis to other organs.

Invasive type (infiltrative)

Infiltrative carcinoma is one of the most common and dangerous forms of the disease. The tumor has spread to nearby tissues, extending beyond the milk ducts or lobules. That is why the invasive type is often called penetrating. Cancer cells are carried along the lymphatic and circulatory systems leading to metastasis. Their distribution can occur both at the initial and at each of the subsequent stages of the disease. Most often, the axillary lymph nodes are first affected, then there is a rapid division of atypical cells in the bones, liver, lungs and brain. Depending on the initial site of tumor formation, invasive cancer is divided into the following types:

Invasive ductal (IPR). Initially formed in the ducts, then goes beyond them. It is the most common type and feels like a bump.
Pre-invasive ductal (PPR). It is initially formed in the lactiferous duct and does not go beyond it. Left untreated, it can develop into invasive cancer.
Invasive-lobular (IDR). Initially formed in the lobules of the mammary gland, then spreads to nearby tissues. Patients with IDR feel a lump in the chest, not a lump.
Inflammatory (edematous-infiltrative cancer). It is rare (less than 5% of cases). It is characterized by swelling of the skin and the absence of a clearly defined tumor, and therefore it is difficult to diagnose. It has a latent course and slow growth.
infiltrative nonspecific cancer- a rare type of tumor. This type includes, for example, squamous metaplasia, colloidal cancer, and others. Treatment and prognosis for each type is different.

non-invasive cancer

Non-invasive cancer has no tendency to metastasize and grow into neighboring tissues. Many doctors consider such tumors to be among those that have the most favorable prognosis. However, in the absence of timely treatment, the process quickly turns into invasive form. Depending on the initial location of the tumor, such cancer is divided into types:

Intraductal non-invasive (flow-through intracanalicular). It is formed inside the duct and does not affect nearby tissues during growth. It is relatively rare and is characterized by the presence of small areas of seals with a deformed structure. This type of cancer is well diagnosed by mammography.
Lobular non-invasive (lobular). It is formed in the lobule of the mammary gland and does not grow beyond it. Doctors do not always classify tumors of this type as cancer, but if left untreated, the risk of developing into an invasive form increases (up to 30%).

Special forms of the disease

The effectiveness of treatment, life expectancy and its usefulness largely depend on the histological structure of the tumor formation. This group includes:

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special form of cancer. Its presence is determined using a special study, in which none of the three receptors typical for pathology (estrogen, herceptin, progesterone) is detected. TNBC has no sensitivity to any of them, which distinguishes it from other malignant tumors. The disease progresses aggressively. This type of cancer includes squamous and apocrine carcinomas.
Atypical medullary carcinoma is quite rare. Outwardly, it is expressed by the presence of a fairly dense tumor node, which can sometimes take the form of a tube and be accompanied by hemorrhages, cysts, and necrosis. Compared to other types, it has a slightly better treatment prognosis.
papillary cancer. It has a low degree of distribution (1-2% of cases). It is more common in women over 60 years of age. The tumor growing in the tissue has a papillary structure. It is localized in the peripapillary region and is characterized by specific discharge from the chest. A malignant neoplasm has rounded, clearly defined outlines 2-3 cm in diameter, often accompanied by the presence of cysts.
Paget's disease. The tumor is formed in the nipple and the surrounding area. It is a non-invasive ductal form of the disease. With timely treatment, it has a favorable prognosis for recovery. Otherwise, it develops into an invasive form with a rather high aggressiveness of the course of the disease.

Symptoms and signs

Obvious signs of the disease can be observed only at a late stage of its development. In the early stages, the disease is manifested by the presence of a dense (armored) crust on the chest, enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes, and the formation of a dense bump in the armpit. The skin may darken, redden, thin, become hot to the touch. There is asymmetry of the glands, the presence of pain concentrated in one place.

The first symptoms of breast cancer appear with the growth of compaction: they disguise themselves as an inflammation clinic

A woman can independently identify the presence of a malignant tumor at an early stage of its development, which will help to take appropriate measures in time. Most often, the neoplasm is distinguished by its immobility and dense cohesion with the surrounding tissues. An attempt to press on the nodule or its displacement leads to a feeling of sharp and dull pain.

One of the additional, but not mandatory, symptoms may be an increase in body temperature and a general deterioration in the condition, manifested in the form of fatigue, muscle pain, which is associated with the presence of developing oncological processes in the body.

In some forms of the disease, the signs may be more pronounced, for example, in the case of tumor germination in chest there is immobility of the chest, if in skin- deformation, ulceration, retraction of the nipple, as well as the presence spotting out of him. Uncomfortable sensations appear in the axillary region caused by an increase in lymph nodes. The skin of the chest turns red, flaky, swelling and the formation of a "lemon peel" can be observed. The nipple retracts, bleeding wounds may form on it.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

The use of various diagnostic methods makes it possible to determine the invasiveness or non-invasiveness of a tumor, to identify the presence of metastases and the area of damage to the body.

Early diagnosis

Diagnosis at an early stage can be primary (screening), revealing a number of initial changes, or clarifying, revealing all pathological changes occurring in the gland.

Primary diagnostics include:

self-examination;
examination by an endocrinologist, mammologist, oncologist, surgeon.

Clarifying diagnostics include the following research methods:

Biopsy - puncture of tumor tissue. It is performed on an outpatient basis and helps to accurately determine the malignancy or goodness of the neoplasm under study.
CT ( CT scan) is a fairly accurate X-ray method that allows you to get images of the tumor in different projections.
ultrasound ( ultrasonography) is the most accessible and frequently used research method in the initial stages of the disease in women under 45 years of age. Helps to identify the presence of neoplasms and their probable malignancy.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a detailed research method that helps determine the size of an existing neoplasm and the degree of its spread, identify an increase in axillary lymph nodes, and detect new foci of cancer.
Mammography is an X-ray method used to examine women over 45 years of age. Allows you to quickly detect a tumor, even a small size.

A biopsy is indicated when other diagnostic procedures are not able to give a clear picture of the disease.

Early diagnosis is carried out in the antenatal clinic, using the method of palpation, the results of which can reveal:

painful seals;
puffiness;
redness;
asymmetry;
changes associated with the position of the nipple and its shape.

In addition, the chest is examined for the presence of secretions, peeling. Foci of compaction of the skin are revealed. The areas of the armpits are examined. The presence of pain, discomfort, swelling is specified. At this stage, obvious signs may be practically absent.

Preventive medical examination is one of the forms of active medical care for the population, aimed mainly at identifying early stages diseases

Starting from the age of 20, regular clinical examinations are recommended every three years, and after the age of 45 - annually using mammography. Fear of finding signs of breast cancer, lack of time, lack of attention to their health sometimes lead to the fact that a woman seeks medical help too late.

Self-diagnosis

Self-diagnosis and detection of signs of breast cancer in women significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome after treatment. Self-exams are recommended every month at the same time. There are many recommendations on the Internet on this topic. But only a specialist will advise the exact and correct ones.

Video: breast self-examination

Differential Diagnosis

Stage 2 breast cancer in most cases is differentiated from fibroadenomas, mastitis, and benign tumors.

Most patients talk about the early self-detection of a malignant neoplasm, and they do not attach due importance to this fact, which leads to irreversible pathological changes in the tissues of the gland and the body or lethal outcome due to late visit to the doctor.

Mammography is a fast and informative method that allows you to distinguish between a malignant tumor and a benign one.

Treatment

Treatment of breast cancer requires a special approach. The technique is selected by the doctor depending on the condition of a particular patient, taking into account factors such as:

tumor size;
metastases in the lymph nodes;
distant foci of the pathological process;
metastases in other organs;
stage of the disease;
cellular composition of the tumor.

Before starting treatment, doctors will do a biopsy (take a small piece of the tumor for examination), conduct a histological or immunohistochemical (IHC) study. Moreover, ICG is considered a more informative option, since the method not only determines the type of tumor, but also reveals the degree of its aggressiveness, sensitivity to the action of hormonal and other drugs. After conducting research, doctors will be able to decide on treatment options.

Surgery is often used as the main treatment. The tumor and nearby lymph nodes are removed, after which they are sent for a second histological or immunohistochemical study.

If the malignant cells have already affected the lymph nodes, the patient will undergo additional irradiation of the areas most susceptible to further spread of the process and, if necessary, will be prescribed a number of drugs for long-term use.

Surgical intervention

Operations occupy a leading position among the methods to get rid of stage 2 breast cancer, and may include several options:

mastectomy (surgery to remove the mammary gland) with the possibility of further mammoplasty (surgical intervention to restore the breast by installing an implant);
organ-preserving surgery in conjunction with radiation therapy: with this type of intervention, the tumor itself will be removed directly with a minimum amount of tissue around it, after which the site of the eliminated malignant neoplasm will be exposed to radiation to destroy the remnants of atypical cells.

These types of surgical intervention allow the patient to recover quickly after surgery and give a very favorable prognosis for recovery.

In most cases assigned complex treatment which includes:

surgery + chemotherapy (before menopause);
surgery + radiation therapy (for menopause).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that consists in the use of cytostatics (drugs that inhibit the growth and development of cancer cells, as well as destroy them).

Unlike radiation therapy, which has only a local effect on certain parts of the body, chemotherapy treatment has a systemic effect, which allows you to destroy all pathological cells. However, chemotherapy is more difficult to tolerate and has a variety of side effects.

Chemotherapy is the main, proven, highly effective treatment for breast cancer.

Depending on the tasks, there are several options for chemotherapy:

adjuvant (auxiliary postoperative method used after surgery);
neoadjuvant (additional preoperative method);
therapeutic (used when it is impossible to radically remove the tumor);
induction (reduces the tumor before surgery).

hormone therapy

This method of treatment is used to increase the effectiveness of the use of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation exposure, thereby significantly reducing the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Hormone therapy is not used as an independent treatment method. It is prescribed only in cases of detection of an increased content of progesterone and estrogen receptors on the surface of the tumor with signs of malignancy.

About 70% of cancer cells are sensitive to female and male hormones, so hormone therapy acts on tumor receptors, blocking its division, leading to its gradual reduction.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is often given after surgery. It reduces the risk of recurrence of the disease. There are several methods of influence:

CF-WBI (fractionated irradiation), when the patient receives multiple sessions of exposure to small doses of radiation;
HF-WBI (hypofractionated irradiation), when the patient is exposed to a significant dosage of radiation therapy in short courses.

During the treatment, the following areas are treated:

the location of the tumor;
affected lymph nodes;
axillary and clavicular lymph nodes;
lymph nodes in the chest area.

Targeted Therapy

This method is very widely used in the treatment of stage 2 cancer and is recommended both in complex and in the form of a separate therapy.

The use of targeted medications allows you to influence certain protein compounds of cancer cells, thereby preventing their division (multiplication), which leads to the death of the tumor, and in some cases to the resorption of metastases. This therapy is selective and uses different medicines for certain forms and types of disease.

The impact on healthy cells is minimized, which avoids side effects, unlike chemotherapy and hormonal treatments.

Companion diet: proper nutrition

The diet should be in accordance with general recommendations to help prepare for treatment. We must try to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes.

Patients must adhere to the following rules:

observe the calorie content of consumed foods;
include vegetables, fruits, cereals in the diet;
make sure that the amount of consumed vegetable fats prevails over animals;
consume during the day 2 g of calcium;
exclude alcoholic beverages from the diet.

Fresh fruits will fill the body with energy, make up for the lack of vitamins Eating vegetable salads is good for the normal functioning of the intestines Fruit juices can help compensate for the lack of vitamins in breast cancer

Life expectancy predictions

According to the studies, each of the substages of the development of stage 2 breast cancer has its own indicators.

For example, the percentage of survival in substage 2A ranges from 88 to 92%, and in substage 2B it is 76–81% of total number sick.

The study of the processes of development of diseases and the preparation of forecasts is carried out using the so-called staging, which is based on indicators of the speed of the course of malignant processes and taking into account the age of the patient. The younger the patient and the lower the stage of the cancer, the better the life expectancy predictions.

Early diagnosis leads to successful treatment in most cases. The 5-year survival rates for locally advanced forms of stage 2 cancer are at least 60%, with localized forms - at least 90%. Distant metastases, if present, somewhat worsen the prognosis of the results of the treatment. V modern world life expectancy rates for stage 2 breast cancer are steadily increasing.

Disease prevention

The main goal of preventing stage 2 breast cancer is to prevent the onset of the disease and minimize individual risk factors. Preventive measures include:

the birth of the first child under the age of 35;
breast-feeding;
competent approach to treatment with hormonal drugs;
lack of stress;
quitting smoking and alcohol;
minimizing the effect of carcinogens;
self-examination;
regular examinations by a specialist.

The birth of the first child before the age of 35 and breastfeeding for a year significantly reduces the likelihood of a malignant tumor in the breast

Stage 2 breast cancer has a fairly favorable survival prognosis and a wide range of various treatments. The use of modern diagnostic methods, including mammography and ultrasound, helps to detect a tumor at an early stage of development. Much attention should be paid to regular self-diagnosis. In the event of even the slightest suspicion of a deviation from the norm, you should consult a doctor in order to receive treatment on time and avoid serious consequences.

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In the course of her life, any woman may experience various diseases mammary glands. Sometimes inflammatory processes are formed in the tissues, the so-called mastitis, small neoplasms in the form of compacted nodules (mastopathic nature), tumors that are not malignant in nature.

Signs indicating the development of a disease that can develop into a cancerous tumor are:

Pain in the chest, under the armpits;
Changes in the external integument of the glands (tubercles, dimples);
The change appearance skin: peeling, discharge, ulcers.
Violation of work, changes in the area of the lymph nodes of the upper body.

The malignancy of seals can be said only after a biopsy is a detailed examination of the molecular structure of the neoplasm cells. However, even by external signs, we can conclude that there is a high risk of cancer:

Clearly defined contours of compacted nodules, skin of the outer cover significantly drawn into the gland;
Enlarged axillary lymph nodes;
Change in the shape, density of the nipples;
Wrinkled skin, the presence of ulcers, swelling, accompanied by fever, fever.

Stage 2 Breast Cancer Treatment

The most common method of treatment for detecting cancer in a patient is surgical excision of the tumor from the tissues. Subsequently, periodic diagnostics of the breast, lymph nodes that were affected in the past are carried out.

With the spread of metastases in the lymph, radiant exposure is prescribed to kill malignant cells and prevent further spread. The treatment complex directly depends on the progress of the disease, the size of the formation. With a small and incipient lesion, a hormonal effect on the body is applied.

At stage 2, when the tumor reaches a size of about five centimeters, it is applied twice: on the eve of a surgical operation, as the final stage of treatment.

Nutrition for stage 2 breast cancer

In the presence of any disease in the body, a balanced and healthy diet helps the internal resources of cells and tissues to fight the negative effects of the disease on their own. General rules is a fractional, frequent meals. It becomes important to consume a sufficient amount of fluid, which will help to completely remove accumulated internal organs toxic substances.

It is important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, to exclude smoking and drinking alcohol-containing drinks, to avoid those products that provoke the development of a negative environment in the body. The list of prohibited products includes:

Fatty food, containing margarine, vegetable and animal fats;
Products industrial production containing preservatives, stabilizers, smoking flavors;
Public catering products from the category of fast food;
Sour, salty, fermented foods containing acetic acid as a marinade;
Mushrooms in any form;
Caffeinated drinks, chocolate;
Fatty cheeses processed by remelting.

Breast cancer stage 2A

The division into types of cancerous tumors is recognized by the International Health Association for a clearer prescription of productive treatment. The second stage of progression is still considered treatable. However, already at this moment, the size of the tumor reaches 50 millimeters. At the same stage, the disease spreads to the area of \u200b\u200bthe lymph nodes of the armpits.

With the occurrence of adhesive formations and the development of inflammation, we can talk about the transition to the third stage of the disease. Starting from the second, breast cancer at each stage is divided into subspecies, which differ in the degree of progression of the disease. Such a more detailed classification allows physicians to more effectively conduct radiation and chemotherapy.

The Society of Cancer, formed in the United States, it is customary to subdivide the second type of breast cancer into A, B subspecies. At the initial stage of A-development, the tumor is relatively small, from 2 to 5 centimeters, the lymphatic system is not affected or only slightly affected. In this case, more than 80 percent of sick women have a chance to be completely cured.

Stage 2B breast cancer

Subspecies B in the second stage of a cancerous lesion is diagnosed with the development of a neoplasm from 50 millimeters, with the defeat of several nodes of the lymphatic system of the body. Even with such a diagnosis, more than three-quarters of patients, with proper treatment, live for more than five years.

The second stage of breast cancer: prognosis

The outcome of the disease, the effectiveness of the treatment - surgical and therapeutic, largely depends on the internal resources of the body that affect the rate of spread and growth of the tumor, as well as the age and general health of the patient.

A doctor, prescribing a treatment method, if a patient has stage 2 breast cancer, can give an approximate prognosis based on the statistics of previous cases. With severe consequences, rather late seeking medical help, the patient can live an average of up to three years. The second stage is characterized by a rather large percentage (more than ninety) of successful treatment, complete recovery of the body. The situation worsens with the defeat of the lymphatic system, the accelerated development of neoplasms.

Survival

Modern advances in medicine, the development of new methods of treatment and diagnostics can increase the chances of a successful outcome. It is important to understand that periodic examinations of women, starting from adolescence, make it possible to identify the foci of the onset of the disease at an early stage, avoiding the development of cancerous malignant tumors.

If we consider the five-year life expectancy of patients with diagnosed breast cancer, detected at the second stage, then we can declare a positive outcome in more than half of the cases. About 80% of women can lead a normal life. About 60% live ten or more years with a second-degree diagnosis. Life expectancy is influenced by many individual factors, such as the rate of spread of the focus of the disease, the degree of damage to the lymph nodes. As well as susceptibility to therapeutic treatment.