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Breast Cancer/her-2
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Question
My mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and it is her-2. They caught it very early (the tumor was 7 centimeters) and were able to remove it via lumpectomy. It has not spread to the lymph nodes. They will do radiation on the breast.
My question is this. Since it is her-2, is chemo usually suggested? From what I hear her-2 is very aggressive. Since it was caught so early and removed should that episode be over? If she gets breast cancer again in another area will it be her-2 as well?
Thanks for your help.
I do hope you meant 7 mm (0.28 inches)not 7 cm (2.76 inches)!
A lumpectomy, as was done here, with a 7 cm tumour can hardly be recommended! If this tumour according to the pathology report was very aggressive I do think that chemo therapy should be seriously considered - even more so since it is her second. This is her second. A new again would be her third!
BUT, lumpectomy with aggressive radiation therapy and probably chemo therapy & hormonal/anti hormonal therapy with a 7 mm tumour should be enough. More extensive surgery is most probably not necessary.
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Answers by Expert:
Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.
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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.
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