What is Stage 3 Breast Cancer?

Understanding Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Stage 3 breast cancer, also called locally advanced breast cancer, is a form of invasive malignancy. The cancerous tumor in this stage is generally larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph nodes, the skin over the breast, or muscles underneath the breast skin. However, it does not metastasize to distant organs like the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

Types of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Stage 3 breast cancer can include various types of invasive breast cancer, such as:

Staging System for Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Stage 3 breast cancer is further classified into three subcategories based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread:

1. Stage 3A:
2. No tumor in the breast, but cancer cells are in 4-9 lymph nodes under the arm or near the breastbone.
3. A tumor larger than 5 cm with cancer in 1-3 lymph nodes.
4. Stage 3B:
5. Cancer spreads to the skin of the breast or chest wall.
6. May involve up to 9 lymph nodes in the armpit or breastbone area.
7. Stage 3C:
8. Cancer has spread to one of the following:
9. 10 or more lymph nodes in the armpit.
10. Lymph nodes above or below the collarbone.
11. Lymph nodes near the breastbone and under the arm.

Symptoms of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Common symptoms include:

1. Dimpling, redness, swelling, scaling, or open sores on the breast.
2. Changes in breast shape or size.
3. Nipple discharge (clear, red, yellow, or green) or an inverted nipple.
4. Lumps in the underarm or breast.
5. Pain or itchiness in the breast.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

1. Age over 55 years.
2. Gender (women are at higher risk due to hormonal exposure).
3. Family history of breast cancer.
4. Inherited genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes).
5. Radiation exposure to the head, neck, or chest.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

1. Using hormone replacement therapy.
2. Smoking and alcohol consumption.
3. Obesity.

Diagnosis of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Diagnosis involves multiple tests, including:

1. Physical Examination: Checking for lumps, swelling, or abnormalities.
2. Imaging Tests: Mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans.
3. Biopsy: Removal of tumor or lymph node samples for microscopic examination.

It is recommended to start annual breast cancer screenings at age 40 for early detection.

Stage 3 Breast Cancer Treatment Options

1. Chemotherapy

1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery) helps shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells.

2. Surgery

1. Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
2. Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy): Removes the cancer while preserving the breast.

3. Radiation Therapy

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy: Uses a machine to target cancer cells.
2. Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation): Inserts radioactive pellets inside breast tissue.

4. Hormone Therapy

1. Used for hormone receptor-positive tumors.
2. Includes drugs like Anastrozole and Tamoxifen.

5. Targeted Therapy

1. Uses drugs like Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab, and Olaparib to target specific cancer proteins.

6. Immunotherapy

1. Pembrolizumab helps the immune system fight cancer in triple-negative breast cancer.

Treatment Effectiveness and Follow-Ups

Patients should attend regular follow-ups to monitor recurrence and side effects. If cancer returns, alternative treatments may be explored.

Treating Inoperable Stage 3 Breast Cancer

If a tumor is too large for surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can shrink it to make it operable.

Remission and Survival Rates

1. Remission means cancer symptoms disappear after treatment. It can be partial or complete.
2. The 5-year survival rate for Stage 3 breast cancer is 86%, depending on tumor size, age, and treatment response.

Conclusion

Stage 3 breast cancer is a serious but treatable condition. With early detection, comprehensive treatment, and lifestyle modifications, many patients achieve remission and live healthy lives. Regular screenings, consultations, and follow-ups are key to managing this condition effectively.