Introduction

 

The choice of treatment depends on the age and health of the patient, the type of cancer, and the stage of the disease. The stage, described in the diagnosis section, is based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis to other parts of the body.

Treatments for early breast cancer typically begins with surgery to remove the primary tumor. The patient may then receive chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. The recurrence of cancer is suppressed using hormone therapy with drugs like Tamoxifen or Raloxifene. Patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer may be given a different kind of therapy in an order depending on their situation. Some patients with metastatic breast cancer whose cells are positive for Her2Nu receptors may receive a monoclonal antibody called Herceptin, one of a new class of "biologics".

Therapy for breast cancer optimizes the use of the oncology arsenal -- surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. At the discretion of the oncologist some patients receive pre-operative chemotherapy and even radiation. Treatment regimen is based on:

  • The history of the patient
  • The physical examination
  • Bilateral mammogram results
  • The patient's preference

Surgery is standard therapy for stage I and stage II breast cancer. This is typically followed by chemotherapy,.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy are employed by the oncologic team using a strategy that optimizes the long term well being of the patient.

Any treatment decision should be made with the patient as an informed participant. This is especially the case for situations where different courses of therapy are possible, as in lumpectomy versus mastectomy.