Stages (degrees) of breast cancer. Second-degree breast cancer, treatment and life expectancy Grade 2 ductal breast cancer

The diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most frightening for women. It seems to many that breast removal in this case is inevitable, but with proper and timely treatment, a stable remission can be achieved in more than 80% of cases. It is important not to rush to all kinds of "healers" for miraculous powders and drugs, but from the very beginning to competently fight the disease.

Modern medicine divides breast cancer into 5 stages, depending on the severity of the disorders that have occurred in the body. They are characterized by the following parameters:

Stage 0. This degree suggests the presence of precancerous lesions or a non-invasive type of cancer that does not tend to spread outside the milk ducts. This condition cannot be called cancer in full, however, such women are at risk, they need to consult a mammologist more often and undergo appropriate studies.
Stage 1. At this stage, we are already talking about an invasive tumor, however, the tumor does not yet exceed 2 cm, and the cancer cells have not spread to the lymph nodes. This stage is best treated and with the right approach, up to 90% of patients will overcome the disease.
Stage 2. In general terms, signs of stage 2 breast cancer are similar to symptoms of 1, but the size of the tumor becomes larger, and the disease begins to actively affect healthy tissue around the milk ducts.
Stage 3. At this stage, the cancer becomes quite aggressive, so that treatment is very difficult. The tumor is clearly visible, the skin around it becomes red and embossed (the so-called "orange peel"). Often the shape of the breast at this stage is deformed, the lymph nodes are affected.
Stage 4. Carcinoma spreads to all tissues and organs around the breast. It actively spreads metastases to tissues, bones and even the brain. As a rule, cancer cannot be cured at this stage.

Every day, a large number of women are diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer. This disease belongs to one of the most common forms of oncology and the most studied. With an early visit to a specialist, there is a great chance of a complete cure and preservation of the affected breast. If the disease is started, a person can lose their life within a short period of time.

A large number of women are diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer every day.

Breast cancer of the 2nd degree is an early stage of a dangerous disease. Its main feature is the appearance of a tumor of malignant origin, the size of which does not exceed 50 mm. Sometimes there is a lesion by the formation of adipose tissue and lymph nodes in the armpits.

Stage II breast cancer has the following developmental stages:

2a. The formation in the patient's breast is 20 mm in size, while the lymph nodes may be healthy or partially affected. Metastasis with this form of oncology is not detected.

2b. The diameter of the malignant tumor is about 45-50 mm, while lymph node involvement is often observed. Sometimes tumors of impressive size are detected, but there is no damage to the lymph nodes. Metastases can be determined - no more than 1-2.

The danger of oncology lies in the fact that it cannot be detected at an early stage: it is distinguished by the absence of severe pain and other unpleasant symptoms. A malignant appearance can be recognized by the beginning of discharge from the nipples, changes in the breast, enlarged lymph nodes, the appearance of a painless seal.

The disease can be recognized by the symptoms of wrinkling and areas, which are characterized by a violation of the elasticity of the skin in those places where the formation is localized. Sometimes over the place where the tumor is located inside, there is a depression of the skin, which is called umbilization.

How to treat breast cancer (video)

The main causes of pathology

Malignant lesion of breast tissue is a fairly common pathology. The main cause of oncology has not been identified, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of the disease. Most often, the disease develops against the background of:

genetic predisposition;

late onset of sexual activity, late pregnancy;

lack of a complete diet;

being overweight;

chest trauma;

early weaning of the baby;

some physiological changes in women after 38 years.

Breast cancer is most often detected in women over 40 years old. That is why doctors recommend women at risk to have their mammary glands examined by a mammologist at least 2 times a year.

This will help to timely identify and prevent the progression of the disease, thereby prolonging life.

Breast cancer grade 2 - early stage of a dangerous disease

Diagnostic methods

If stage 2 breast cancer is suspected, the doctor recommends undergoing a series of examinations that will help confirm the diagnosis and see a more complete picture of the breast lesion. As a survey, it is recommended to undergo:

Mammography. The main advantage of the procedure is the detection of a formation hidden in the tissues of the mammary gland.

An ultrasound will help determine the type of tumor and the stage of oncology.

Ductography is a type of study that requires the introduction of a contrast agent into the ducts of the glands.

A biopsy is done to determine the type of lesion. With the help of a puncture, tissue or fluid is taken from the problem area, after which the material is examined in a laboratory.

Magnetic resonance imaging.

If there is a suspicion of affecting neighboring organs with metastases, they are additionally prescribed various tests, X-rays, computed tomography, etc. Based on the results of the study, treatment is prescribed, which the doctor selects individually for each patient.

Breast cancer treatment (video)

Treatment of the disease

As a rule, stage 2 is rarely bypassed with conservative therapy. Typically, your doctor will recommend surgery in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy. During surgery, the malignant mass is excised and examined to detect cell damage. Further, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and biological therapy can be prescribed.

Among the main methods of treatment are:

Mastectomy (the entire mammary gland is removed completely, along with the affected tissue).

Radical - only the affected area of the organ is removed, preserving the mammary gland. This method is used extremely rarely for small tumors, but often there is a risk of recurrence later.

Stage 2 is used to stop the progression of the disease and the spread of metastases. It consists in taking certain funds.

Radiation therapy. It is prescribed after surgery to stop malignant cell division.

Immunotherapy. With the help of immunomodulators, they increase the body's defenses, weakened by disease and drugs.

Hormone therapy. The drugs help block hormones that trigger the growth of education.

Biological therapy.

Breast cancer is most often detected in the fair sex, whose age exceeds 40 years.

Life expectancy in grade 2 breast cancer will depend on the timeliness of the treatment started and the general health of the person. As a rule, after a full course of therapy, more than 80% of women have a chance of a complete recovery. Further life expectancy with a favorable outcome will be 5 years or more.

It is imperative that after suffering an illness, it will be necessary to pay increased attention to health, undergo regular medical examinations and follow all medical recommendations.

To prevent relapse in the future, a woman will need to monitor the state of the immune system, eat right, avoid hypothermia and stressful situations. It is important to get rid of bad habits, keep track of your weight, and have a good rest.

Doctors distinguish about 5 stages of breast oncology. The first three of these are considered mild cancer. It is noteworthy that with an early visit to a specialist, the cancer process can be stopped. Severe stage breast cancer is called breast cancer.

In addition, doctors are classified according to the severity of the disease. It is determined by the following parameters:

the size;
invasiveness;
the condition of the lymph nodes;
the presence of metastases.

Breast cancer is classified into the following grades:

Stage 0: the tumor is localized only in the mammary gland. It is noteworthy that when cancer is detected at an early stage, the chances of completely getting rid of the tumor increases.
Stage 2. In case of stage 2 breast cancer, the tumor reaches 5 cm. In addition, damage to the lymph nodes and sprouting into adipose tissue is detected.

Also, specialists distinguish several types of stage 2 cancer:

Stage 2 A. With its development, the tumor reaches about 2 cm, metastases are completely absent. With her, 1 or 2 lymph nodes are affected by cancer cells. In some cases, the neoplasm grows up to 5 cm, but there is no lesion in the lymph nodes.
Stage 2 B. At this stage, the neoplasm has a size of more than 5 cm, about 3 lymph nodes are affected. Also, at this stage, a person develops from 1 to 2 metastases.

How to identify breast cancer

At the initial stage, breast cancer is very difficult to detect, since it is completely asymptomatic. If unpleasant signs appear and there is a suspicion of developing cancer, the patient should immediately consult a specialist. Initially, he examines and interviews the patient.

Also, the following methods are used as additional diagnostic methods:

Mammography. With its help, it is possible to reveal a neoplasm hidden by the tissues of the gland.
Ultrasound diagnostics. It allows you to identify the type and stage of development of the disease.
MRI examination.
Getting a biopsy. With its help, you can identify the type of oncology.

It should also be remembered that the attending physician may prescribe additional tests that will help more identify the type of cancer and prescribe the correct treatment procedures.

How to treat stage 2 breast cancer

Doctors note that the only methods of getting rid of this unpleasant disease are surgical intervention and. In some cases, it is enough just to remove the mammary gland and the affected lymph nodes.

When breast cancer progresses to stage 2b, the patient is also prescribed surgery, chemotherapy, or. Chemotherapy, specifically for stage 2 breast cancer, is usually prescribed after surgery and is aimed at getting rid of the remaining cancer cells.

It is noteworthy that it is carried out only by a specialist and he must necessarily take into account the question: "Has the woman entered menopause or not?"

Experts note that at present it is impossible to get rid of severe stage breast cancer. They note that even despite the fact that the therapeutic therapy was carried out successfully, and it was possible to get rid of the tumor, relapses may occur during the rehabilitation period. Usually, as a preventive measure, specialists prescribe methods such as complete removal of the breast and the use of chemotherapy. Most often, prevention is used when a woman has a genetic predisposition to developing breast cancer.

Informative video

Stage 2 breast cancer is the initial formation of a malignant tumor. At this stage of development, the size of the neoplasm is from two to five centimeters. Determining the stage of tumor development is important, further treatment depends on it. Early on, the survival rate is high because the disease is treatable. Oncology arises among women, mainly of middle age and during the period of climatic, hormonal changes in the body. Also, the second stage of breast cancer (T2N1M0) develops in workers in hazardous industries and in people living in dusty big cities. To detect the disease at an early stage, it is important to regularly undergo a preventive examination and examination of the body.

Stage 2 breast cancer takes different types and forms, differing in structure, rate of development and aggressiveness. Certain types of tumors are easily eliminated, leaving a positive prognosis, while others grow rapidly, spread metastases and are not amenable to therapy. It is important to follow the recommendations of the attending physician and follow the instructions for the treatment to be effective and leave positive results. Self-medication is dangerous, leading to the further development of cancer in advanced stages, when life is shortened.

The second stage of oncology is divided into two forms - 2A and 2B. The treatment regimen depends on the type of disease diagnosed. Stage A options:

The tumor has no symptoms and cannot be felt. During the examination, the neoplasm may not be detected, but the lymph nodes of the body are damaged.
The malignant formation grows to a size of two centimeters, affecting the nearby lymph nodes and tissue.
The tumor is not more than five centimeters, it is diagnosed by examination and palpation, but does not affect the lymph nodes.

Breast cancer type 2B takes the following forms:

The size of the tumor is a centimeter or more, it is detected by examination methods, palpated by palpation. A woman can independently detect a specific neoplasm by examining her breasts at home. The lymph nodes are not damaged or enlarged.
The tumor is characterized by rapid growth, growing more than 5 cm in diameter. The adjacent tissues are not affected. At this stage, metastases are not produced, and cancer cells do not spread to other internal organs and tissues.

The formed adhesions between the lymph nodes are an alarming symptom. This suggests that the disease is growing and has passed to the next stage of development.

Classification of oncology of the second stage

Establishing the correct, accurate diagnosis is necessary for choosing an effective treatment. The type of oncology differs in nature, the speed of growth of the neoplasm, the spread of metastases. In cancer, accuracy in diagnostics is important to establish the type of tumor.

Invasive breast cancer

Another name is infiltrative. Breast carcinoma of this type is considered one of the aggressive, dangerous forms of malignant tumors. Disease-causing cells are rapidly dividing, spreading to nearby healthy tissues. New, progressive formations are being formed. An invasive tumor has a penetrating effect on the body and internal organs. Cancer cells spread through the bloodstream, the bloodstream, and also through the lymphatic canal. This factor contributes to the development of metastases, which is typical for the stage of initial development and for subsequent stages of growth. The first stage - oncology affects the axillary and cervical lymph node, destroying it, and then metastases spread to the skeletal base, liver, lungs and brain.

The consequence of the penetration of cancer cells into the internal organs is the violation of vital processes, malfunctions of the nervous system, the endocrine gland. Based on the initial localization, invasive breast cancer is divided into the following subspecies:

Invasive ductal. In appearance, the neoplasm resembles a lump and is formed in the ducts of the mammary glands. In the process of growth, the tumor spreads outside the breast, affecting other tissues, lymphatic channels. Of all types of oncology, ductal is considered the most common in women of reproductive age.
Pre-invasive ductal. A specific neoplasm forms in the lactiferous duct and does not leave its limits. Metastasis is slow. But if you ignore the tumor, do not carry out the necessary therapy, then the disease develops into an aggressive form of oncology.
Invasive lobular A tumor neoplasm is formed in the lobular part of the mammary gland. After that, the disease spreads to adjacent tissues. The woman feels a lump in her breasts. The initial stages of the disease are susceptible to treatment, if education is diagnosed in a timely manner.
Inflammatory infiltrative. This type of oncology is rare. There is swelling of the mammary gland, the breast acquires an asymmetric shape. The tumor has no clear boundaries, is characterized by a latent course and slow growth, so diagnosis can be problematic.
Infiltrating cancer of a nonspecific type. Pathology is rare and differs from the standard course of the disease.

The method of treatment, the use of therapeutic agents is developed for each patient separately, taking into account the characteristics of the organism, the aggressiveness of the tumor, the rate of proliferation of cells of a malignant nature.

A specific neoplasm of the invasive type is characterized by rapid metastasis, damage to nearby tissues and internal organs. With timely detection, the second stage of the disease is treatable - subject to the recommendations, prescriptions of the doctor.

Non-invasive breast cancer

Oncology of a non-invasive form is characterized by slow growth, reduced aggressiveness. Damage to adjacent tissues does not occur, and metastases do not spread to internal organs. Doctors give positive predictions after the therapy to eliminate the neoplasm. But if you do not carry out the necessary treatment and start the disease, then the tumor will develop into an invasive form, acquire a dangerous, aggressive character. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular examination of the body, as well as the necessary treatment prescribed by the attending physician. Non-invasive cancer is divided into the following types:

Intraductal, or intracanalicular. The tumor forms inside the milk ducts and does not spread to other tissues. When probing the breast, a number of seals are observed, showing a deformed shape, uneven outlines. Often this type of oncology is found during mammographic examination.
Lobular, or lobular. The seal is formed in the lobular part of the mammary gland and does not grow beyond its borders. Neighboring tissues and lymph nodes are not affected. This tumor is considered benign by oncologists, but if the course of treatment is not carried out, the neoplasm develops into an aggressive form of cancer.

Non-invasive cancer is slow in progress and growth. Metastasis is rare. The tumor does not cause discomfort and is not accompanied by pain. But if you ignore the presence of a specific formation, it mutates over time and grows into oncology. Therefore, it is important to conduct regular examination of the body, as well as the treatment of identified pathologies in order to avoid complications.

Other forms of cancer

The effectiveness and success of the therapy depends on the histological structure of the neoplasms. This group includes the following types of oncology:

Three times negative breast cancer. A specific type of cancer that is difficult to diagnose. Its presence is revealed during a special study. The neoplasm does not respond to receptors, does not have sensitivity to them. This distinguishes this type of tumor from others. The disease is characterized by an aggressive course and rapid development, as well as a weak response to treatment.
Atypical medullary cancer. The neoplasm has a dense structure resembling a tube in shape. The presence of a tumor is palpated by palpation and a home examination of the breast. It is accompanied by discharge from the nipple, as well as necrosis and cysts.
Papillary cancer. This type of oncology is very rare, mainly among women of advanced age, when the reproductive functions of the body die off. The formation is localized in the nipple area and is accompanied by specific secretions, as well as painful sensations. The tumor reaches three centimeters in size and has a round, well-defined shape. Often accompanied by cysts and benign growths.
Paget's disease. This type of pathology is localized in the nipple, as well as in adjacent tissues. Refers to non-invasive ductal oncology. If you start timely treatment under the guidance of a specialized doctor, then the further prognosis is positive and favorable. If you ignore the disease, it may develop into an aggressive form of oncology, which leads to breast amputation and premature death of a woman.

Breast examination alone is not enough to establish a diagnosis. It is important to undergo a comprehensive examination of the body to identify the type and nature of the pathology. This will help prescribe effective treatment aimed at eliminating a specific neoplasm.

Symptoms of the disease

The early stages of breast cancer are tricky because there are no noticeable symptoms. Often a woman seeks a doctor at a late, final stage, when metastases spread throughout the body and penetrate into the internal organs. At the second stage, the formed seal in the chest is felt. To do this, you need to raise your hand up, and in a circular motion feel the chest for the absence of bumps, knots and seals.

At the second stage, it is possible to detect a change in the skin of the breast. The surface of the organ is covered with a dense, coarse crust. The color of the skin also changes - a dark or reddened shade is acquired. The chest may feel hot to the touch due to inflammation inside. There is also a noticeable change in the size of the lymph nodes, the appearance of deformity, asymmetry of the left and right breasts. There is pain in a certain place.

To identify oncology, you need to undress to the waist, exposing your chest, stand in a place with good lighting in front of a mirror. The following symptoms indicate the development of cancer:

The appearance of redness, ulcers, acne on the skin of the mammary gland. At the site of tumor development, characteristic inflammations are concentrated.
On palpation, the lymph nodes are enlarged. When pressed, pain and discomfort with physical activity is felt.
The lymph node, located in the armpit, is enlarged to the size of a large grape and has a dense structure.
The skin of the breast is dry and flaky. Touching it causes discomfort and pain.
The chest has a higher temperature than the body temperature. Increased warmth is felt to the touch.
On visual inspection in front of a mirror, both breasts are asymmetrical. Deformation of shape, distortion of roundness is observed.
One feels a loss of strength, apathy, reduced efficiency, weakness.
Loss of appetite, aversion to food, weight loss, not associated with stress or concomitant diseases.
Nausea and digestive upset.
The nipple is retracted in shape, and the roundness of the breast is deformed.
There is a specific, purulent discharge from the nipple with an unpleasant odor. In order to check the presence of discharge, you need to put pressure on the nipple and look closely at its surface. It is also important to pay attention to the spots that appear on the bra. You can inspect unwashed laundry for stains of dried blood or mucous fluid.
On self-palpation, noticeable seals and bumps are felt.

If you identify a number of the symptoms listed above, it is important to immediately contact the oncology center. In the second stage of cancer, the symptoms are more pronounced, so it is important to conduct regular self-examination at home in front of a mirror. If unusual neoplasms are noticed in the mammary gland, there is an alarming sign of the onset of oncology. The sooner the disease is detected, the higher the chance of cure and return to normal life. In the later, final stages, cure is impossible, the goal of therapy is to relieve symptoms and achieve a stable remission.

Diagnostic methods

After self-identification of suspicious seals, an instrumental examination by a doctor specializing in this area is important. Special diagnostics will allow you to confirm or deny the presumptive diagnosis. First, the doctor asks the patient about the specifics of the symptoms and complaints. The doctor should have information about the regularity of the menstrual cycle and sexual activity. This is followed by an examination of the mammary gland by palpation.

The following methods are used to diagnose internal processes and pathological diseases:

Blood test for tumor marker. This procedure allows, by clinical, laboratory examination of venous blood, to reveal the development of malignant neoplasms in the mammary gland. The prevalence of metastases to internal organs and tissues is also noticeable. This analysis is recommended to be carried out annually for prevention purposes, especially if the woman's age is close to forty years and above.
General and chemical analysis of blood. With the help of this examination, you can notice deviations of important body processes from the norm. The concentration of specific substances and blood components is being studied.
Mammography. An examination that allows you to visualize the internal structure of the breast. Under the influence of X-rays, various seals, bumps and neoplasms are visible. The stage of tumor development, the formation and spread of metastases to internal organs and healthy tissues is also diagnosed.

Abdominal ultrasound. With the help of examination of the abdominal cavity, the prevalence of malignant cells and metastases is observed. High frequency ultrasonic waves are used for examination. The screen shows the state and size of the internal organs.
Computer diagnostics - CT, MRI. This research method allows you to see the outline, size and shape of a malignant neoplasm. Organs and tissues located nearby are also visible. If there was a release of metastases, a computer examination will help to see this.
Biopsy. For the procedure, a particle of the tumor is taken for clinical and laboratory research for malignancy. A pinch from the neoplasm is taken with a thin needle, which is inserted through the skin into the area of the breast affected by the tumor. A biopsy allows you to establish an accurate, affirmative diagnosis, to reveal the aggressiveness and nature of the neoplasm, as well as the stage of development of the disease.

A thorough diagnosis is necessary in order to establish a diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment regimen. In some cases, a complex of diagnostic measures may be required to confirm the assumptions. It is important for middle-aged women and during climatic changes to have breast examinations regularly. This will avoid the development of pathologies, and will also help cure the disease. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to cure. If there are benign neoplasms, they also need to be monitored to prevent transformation into an aggressive form of oncology. Also, having a genetic predisposition to cancer, diagnostic measures cannot be neglected. This will prevent the development of the disease to the final stage, when the risk to life increases. Timely therapy allows you to avoid serious consequences and complications.

Breast cancer treatment

The method for the treatment of breast cancer of the second stage is chosen by the attending physician after the examination, the establishment of the final diagnosis, and the characteristics of the aggressiveness of the disease. It is important to remember that self-medication is life-threatening! Oncology can develop to an advanced stage, when therapy is reduced only to pain relief of symptoms. It is necessary to follow the recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician.

Surgical intervention

Surgery is the most common method of combating malignant tumors. This procedure has two types:

Mastectomy is an operation that involves the removal of breast cancer. An implant can be placed in the place of the removed organ to restore the aesthetic appearance.
Partial removal of the affected area followed by radiation therapy sessions. During the operation, a tumor neoplasm with a particle of adjacent tissues is removed directly. After the procedure, the organ is exposed to radioactive rays in order to remove the malignant cells that remained after the operation.

The methods of surgical intervention used in the second stage often have positive prognosis, and also imply a quick recovery of the body, the return of the patient to her usual life. Surgery uses chemistry or radiation therapy. The choice depends on the age of the woman and the characteristics of the body.

Chemotherapy use

Chemotherapy - treatment with the use of cytostatics, chemicals that stop the growth of malignant neoplasms, the spread of metastases. This method of treatment affects the body as a whole, killing cancer cells located in different parts of the body. But the effect of chemicals has a side effect on the body, because healthy cells are destroyed along with the malignant cells. This method of treatment is considered effective, but also aggressive and not sparing. After the therapy session, a period is required for the patient to recover.

Chemotherapy methods:

Adjuvant. Used after surgical operations, as an aid. The therapy is aimed at destroying cancer cells left after removal of the affected organ. This prevents the risk of relapse and return of the disease.
Neoadjuvant. It is used before surgery in order to reduce the tumor, slow down the spread of disease-causing cells. This contributes to the successful conduct of the operation.
Therapeutic. This type of chemotherapy is used as the dominant method of treatment when it is impossible to carry out a radical operation to remove the affected organ.
Induction. It is used to reduce the size of a neoplasm, suppress the spread of cancer cells.

After the courses of chemotherapy, a number of side effects are observed, about which the doctor warns the patient in advance. It takes time to recover and rehabilitate the body, to return to normal life.

Hormone therapy

Hormone treatment is an auxiliary method of therapy that is used to enhance the effect of chemotherapy, as well as surgery. As the dominant method of oncology treatment, hormone therapy is not used. The malignant tumor feeds on hormones, thanks to the replenishment it grows and spreads. Hormone therapy is reduced to suppressing hormones in the body in order to cut off the supply of a tumor neoplasm. This allows the operation or procedures to be performed with increased efficiency.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is used as an adjunct method to improve the effectiveness of treatment. Also, with the help of radiation, the risk of relapse and return of the disease is reduced. The affected area of the chest, tissues located nearby, as well as lymph nodes are exposed to radioactive rays. Radiation therapy can reduce the size of the tumor, suppress the spread of malignant cells, the formation of metastases.

Targeted therapy

In the second stage of breast cancer, targeted therapy is used as a primary and auxiliary treatment. Medicines are used that destroy the protein compounds of the tumor, which leads to the destruction of the neoplasm, suppression of the process of cell division. The therapy regimen, as well as the substances used, are selected separately for each patient. The advantage of this method is that the negative impact on healthy cells is minimized. This allows you to reduce side effects, as well as shorten the rehabilitation period for the recovery of the body after the procedure.

Diet

In addition to radical methods of treatment, the doctor prescribes a diet that is important to follow. It is recommended to avoid junk food, animal fats, dyes, preservatives and various food additives. It is important to eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables because they are high in vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to use vegetable raw-pressed oils for cooking.

Sweets and confectionery should be excluded from the daily diet. A fractional meal is recommended. It is important to eat in small portions, warm up to six times a day. Food should be healthy and freshly prepared. You also need to remember the importance of drinking plenty of fluids. Clean water at room temperature will remove toxins from the body, replenish the water balance, and normalize vital processes. We'll have to get rid of bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol. Nicotine and ethanol interfere with treatment and contribute to the development of cancer.

Post-treatment prognosis

Survival rate for stage II breast cancer is high. The prognosis and life expectancy depends on the definition of the subtype of the tumor, its nature and aggressiveness. The patient's age, body characteristics, concomitant diseases, and physical condition are also taken into account. The younger the woman and the lower the stage of oncology, the more favorable the prognosis of recovery. Cancer of the second stage is treated if you follow the doctor's recommendations and follow the instructions.

The doctor calculates a diet plan, a therapeutic diet that must be followed, excluding prohibited foods. It is important to avoid negative emotions and stress, walk more often in the fresh air and lead a moderately active lifestyle. By applying advice, taking treatment seriously, cancer can be cured with minimal losses to the body.

Breast cancer most often affects women, claiming more than 300 thousand lives annually. This figure is increasing every year due to poor ecology, stress and a frantic pace of life.

Thanks to the advances in modern medicine, breast cancer can be detected at an early stage and death can be avoided. Therefore, women should undergo regular examination by a mammologist.

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Main characteristics

This is the early stage of the disease. The size of the tumor is no more than 5 cm, deep tissues are not damaged by metastases.

In the axillary lymph nodes, cancer cells are absent or present in single quantities.

A woman can herself determine stage 2 breast cancer by palpation.

Substages

The disease is divided into two stages - 2a and 2b. In the first case, the malignant formation is not more than 2 cm and up to three lymph nodes are affected by cancer cells, or the tumor exceeds 5 cm, but it does not spread to neighboring tissues.

In stage 2b, the tumor is less than 5 cm and affects several lymph nodes - this type of oncology is called glandular cancer. Its danger lies in the fact that metastases located in the lymph nodes with the blood stream can penetrate the lungs and liver, and then spread throughout the body. In the second variant, the tumor may exceed 5 cm and not spread to nearby tissues.

The survival rate at stage 2 of cancer is up to 90% in the case of correct and timely treatment. The exception is triple negative breast cancer, in which the success rate drops to 77%.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease at this stage is asymptomatic. But if a woman regularly conducts self-diagnostics, then she will definitely notice the changes:

Dense elastic knot with uneven edges. A woman may feel pain when pressing on the seal.
Swelling and enlargement of the nipple. Sometimes the opposite picture is observed when the nipple is retracted, and weeping wounds appear on its surface.
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits.
If the tumor is large, then wrinkled skin can be seen above it. In this case, the tumor will grow towards the surface of the breast.

Diagnosis of the disease

The primary diagnosis is made by specialists during examination: a therapist, gynecologist or mammologist.

The doctor conducts a comprehensive examination and reveals the extent of the spread of the tumor in the mammary gland and nearby tissues. Survey methods are divided into 3 groups:

Visual inspection method:

x-ray;

Biopsy with histological examination of tissues affected by oncology. This allows you to determine the type of tumor.

Other methods that characterize the general condition of the patient and the existing oncology:

X-rays of light;
examination of the lymph nodes;
general analyzes;
Abdominal ultrasound.

Note: the prognosis of survival at the considered stage of the disease with successful treatment is on average 50 - 80%.

Thanks to this, a competent treatment is selected. A timely diagnosis allows you to start treatment at an early stage of the disease.

Treatment methods

In the second stage of breast cancer, the main factor determining the method of treatment is the extent to the lymph nodes.

Surgery can be performed with complete removal of the breast (mastectomy) or partial preservation of healthy tissue (lumpectomy). With a lumpectomy, the doctor can remove not only part of the breast, but also the affected nodes in the armpit.

Usually, surgical intervention occurs in combination with. It can be done before medical intervention in order to reduce the size of the malignant tumor. After surgery, radiation is necessary to prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Monitoring the state of the endocrine system.
Taking oral contraceptives for menopause.
Good nutrition.
Rejection of bad habits.
Regular medical check-ups.

Good to know: life expectancy in patients with stage 2 breast cancer without treatment is 7 - 8 years. Upon receiving timely therapy and observing preventive measures, the life span is increased to 20 years.

How to treat breast cancer, see the following video for the doctor's comments: