How is breast cancer staged and diagnosed

The commonly used staging method for breast cancer in clinical practice is the TNM staging, which is based on the size, nature, skin changes, number of axillary lymph nodes, and whether the disease has metastasized to organs throughout the body. T represents the size of the primary tumor, N represents the metastasis to the local axillary lymph nodes, and M represents the metastasis to distant lymph nodes and other organs. The diagnosis is confirmed by obtaining pathological results through imaging examinations, core needle puncture of breast lumps, and excisional biopsy. The pathological type of breast cancer and the results of immunohistochemistry can be understood to determine the later treatment plan.

Can advanced breast cancer be cured?

A large number of clinical medical practices believe that it is difficult to achieve a complete cure for advanced breast cancer. However, through standardized treatment, psychological support, and multi-faceted cooperation between doctors and patients, breast cancer patients can achieve a longer survival period and a good quality of life. If advanced breast cancer metastasizes to internal organs, the treatment effect is relatively poor. If lymph node metastasis, skin soft tissue or bone metastasis occurs, targeted standardized treatment often has a definite effect, a longer survival period, a higher quality of life, and a relatively good prognosis.

Prognosis after breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer patients have a good prognosis after regular treatment, and the mortality rate of breast cancer patients is currently on a downward trend. The comprehensive treatment method for breast cancer is very mature, especially after the emergence of targeted therapy, the survival rate of patients has been significantly improved. The survival rate of breast cancer patients is related to many factors, such as the pathological stage, molecular typing and discovery time of breast cancer. Patients in the T1N1M0 stage survive longer than those in the T1N1M1 stage, and patients with breast cancer metastasis have a shorter survival period. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer have a short survival period. If breast cancer patients are not effectively controlled, the disease can progress rapidly.