Breast Cancer Flashcards
Where does most breast cancer start
lobules and ducts
What are the defective tumor suppressor genes in breast cancer
BCRA 1 and 2
What factors stimulate growth and cell proliferation in the breast
estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor
What type of breast cancer is estrogen/progesterone over expression
ER positive
What type of breast cancer is HEGF over-expression
HER2 positive
Luminal A
slow-growing cancers with a 90% survival rate found on mammograms. Treatment includes surgery and radiation
Luminal B
aggressive cancers that invade blood vessels and lymph nodes. Tumor is difficult to surgically remove with clear margins, a second surgery is often needed
Basal
very aggressive, rapid growing cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Responds to chemo
HER2 enriched
tumors overproduce HER2 which signals cancer to grow and spread
Carcinoma in situ
cancer cells proliferate in ducts/lobules without invasion of surrounding tissue
Paget’s disease
type of ductal carcinoma in situ that extends to the skin of the nipple and areola, leading to inflammatory skin reaction
Invasive
cancer cells are found in surrounding tissue, outside the ducts/lobes
Characteristics of cancerous masses
firm, single, non-tender, with irregular borders, and adherence to the chest walls/skin
Galactogram
small plastic tube ejects contrast into the breast duct to look for changes/tumor activity
Oncotype diagnosis test
analyzes 21 genes to predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence
