A 48-year-old female asked:
in early stage her-2 breast cancer, which is the best option:- is it taking drugs or a total removal of the breast?
3 doctor answers
Dr. Barry Rosen answered
33 years experience General Surgery
2 Different Issues: Mastectomy or Lump-x + Radiation RX are LOCAL treatments of breast cancer, with EQUAL survival rates. One or the other is necessary for all breast CA pt's. CHEMOTHERAPY ("drugs") are SYSTEMIC (whole body) RX's for certain breast cancers. Her2Neu (+) cancers are particularly sensitive to Herceptin (trastuzumab). Please meet with your oncologist to understand the different options you have. Good luck.
Answered on Sep 23, 2017
1
1 thank
Dr. Eric Brown answered
31 years experience Breast Surgery
Chemo then surgery: Her2 (+) breast cancers typically need chemotherapy. Chemotherapy followed by surgery +/- radiation is very good option. Long term outcome no different w mastectomy vs lumpectomy.
Answered on Jan 13, 2015
3
3 thanks
Dr. Rakesh Patel answered
21 years experience Radiation Oncology
Local vs Systemic: Early stage breast cancer can often safely be treated with a lumpectomy + Rad Therapy (breast conservation). A mastectomy may be preferred for larger or multiple tumors, cosmetic outcome, or genetic risk.
The Her-2 pos does not directly impact the (local) surgical decision at this time, but certainly determines the systemic therapy, specifically the need for Herceptin, Perjeta (pertuzumab) and chemotherapy
Answered on Jul 24, 2016
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