Asked by anonymous
Survivor since 2009Hi Blair,
I was curious about your question and did a bit of research. Here is the best answer I came up with. It was given by:
Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of...
Hi Blair,
I was curious about your question and did a bit of research. Here is the best answer I came up with. It was given by:
Kevin R. Fox, MD, Assistant Director, Clinical Affairs and Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
The Nottingham histologic score is simply a scoring system to assess the "grade" of breast cancers.
It is a total score based on 3 different sub-scores. The 3 sub-scores are assigned based on 3 components of how the breast cancer cells look under a microscope. (The details of these 3 components are not critical for you to understand). Each of the 3 components is assigned a sub-score of 1, 2, or 3, with 1 being best and 3 being worst. Once the 3 sub-scores are added, a Nottingham score is obtained: the minimum score possible is 3 (1+1+1) and the maximum possible is 9 (3+3+3).
A histologic grade of III is assigned to any patient with a Nottingham score of 8 or 9. Grade I refers to Nottingham scores of 3, 4, and 5, while Grade II refers to Nottingham scores of 6 and 7.
In the end, the Nottingham score and histologic grades are not very useful in the big picture, as they do not alter final overall treatment recommendations. High-score cancers tend to relapse more often than low-score cancers. Ultimately, however, we don't use the score in making clinical decisions.
I hope that this helps clear up any confusion. I wish you the best.
Do you have a family history? If yes, I suggest genetic testing for the BRCA gene mutation.
1 comment 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerThey may have been able to tell by the size and/or area of the lump? Just a guess.
Comment 0It's often standard procedure with a lumpectomy. If your tumor was very small then it may be more of a preventive measure.
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Family Member or Loved OneAn MRI guided biopsy is different than an ultrasound guided biopsy. An ultrasound biopsy is not that bad really, it only takes about 15 min. Good luck and just keep in mind that most biopsies come back not showing any cancer.
1 comment 1Aunia, we all understand the angst of the wait. I had to wait 3 days. I also had an ultrasound guided biopsy. It didn't take that long and like Diana, I was just a little sore afterward.... remember to put some ice on the area. So many of these are benign, so don't worry yourself sick about...
Aunia, we all understand the angst of the wait. I had to wait 3 days. I also had an ultrasound guided biopsy. It didn't take that long and like Diana, I was just a little sore afterward.... remember to put some ice on the area. So many of these are benign, so don't worry yourself sick about it. Your doctor is just being proactive and looking out for your best interest. I have a huge circle of friends and many of them have had this type of test..... of them all, I am the only one whose test came out positive. Hang in there Aunia.... we are all here to help support one another. Blessings to you, Sharon
Asked by anonymous
Stage 2A PatientI understand hoe you're feeling. I was diagnosed last year at 49 with stage 3C breast cancer. I was scared beyond belief. The cancer was also in my chest wall and 13 lymph nodes with some breaking outside the node. Went through 8 rounds of chemo then a bilateral mastectomy. They discovered that...
I understand hoe you're feeling. I was diagnosed last year at 49 with stage 3C breast cancer. I was scared beyond belief. The cancer was also in my chest wall and 13 lymph nodes with some breaking outside the node. Went through 8 rounds of chemo then a bilateral mastectomy. They discovered that chemo hadn't helped as much as they thought. So....I switched chemo drugs and had 8 more 3 weeks after my surgery. Then 33 radiation treatments. I'm on tamoxifen now and I'm happy to say I'm in remission!!! It wasn't easy. You just take it one day at a time. If that's too much....one hour at time. You'll get to the other side of all this. And we're cheering you on.....every step of the way!!!!!!
I, too, had a disappointment in my post-op pathology report. After hearing from my surgeon right after my surgery that all 5 sentinel nodes were clear.... one came back positive in the pathology report. I know how you feel, as it is a huge let-down and you MOMENTARILY watch your life pass...
I, too, had a disappointment in my post-op pathology report. After hearing from my surgeon right after my surgery that all 5 sentinel nodes were clear.... one came back positive in the pathology report. I know how you feel, as it is a huge let-down and you MOMENTARILY watch your life pass before your eyes. You just get back up on the pony and keep on riding! The shock of this will pass.... you will get better, you will get well, you will be ok. You got through your treatment, and charge ahead with your life. This is just a piece of the puzzle of your disease. This is not charting your course of life. There are a vast majority of us who are alive and well years after beating breast cancer. You just work on being one of us. I swear a positive attitude will do more for you than 50 gallons of tears you could cry over this small fact. You reaction should be.... SO WHAT! Kick booty darlin' do not let this get you down. Fight like a girl and you will be a winner.
Hang in there, much love and strength, take care, Sharon
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerBrandi,
If you can share it with us, we could help decipher it. They usually tell the type, location, size, stage, grade... which you already shared with us. Many times, if you can talk to a nurse in the doctor's office, they can take it down a notch for you. In some practices, or clinics,...
Brandi,
If you can share it with us, we could help decipher it. They usually tell the type, location, size, stage, grade... which you already shared with us. Many times, if you can talk to a nurse in the doctor's office, they can take it down a notch for you. In some practices, or clinics, they have an R.N. who helps guide you through the process. They have lots of experience explaining what the pathology report or any other report says. Be sure to take somebody with you when you have other --meet-the-doctor-- appointments. It is freaking comfusing to take it all in. Hang in there..... take care, Sharon
I sat down at the computer and googled each term I didn't understand. I made notes and asked about anything that I still dint understand.
Comment 1Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerIt sounds like it might be time for a second or third opinion. I would bring peace of mind that you are doing the right thing or the information that you need to change the course of treatment.
Comment 1My husband and I have decided that if the cancer comes back we have to go somewhere else for treatment. Unfortunately we live in a medium sized city with basically only 3-4 options and my insurance only covers this one group of drs. We will do what it takes to save my life, I just pray it doesn't...
My husband and I have decided that if the cancer comes back we have to go somewhere else for treatment. Unfortunately we live in a medium sized city with basically only 3-4 options and my insurance only covers this one group of drs. We will do what it takes to save my life, I just pray it doesn't come at the cost of financial ruin. I have enough to feel guilty about as it is! :-)
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerI'm not a dr, but I think it means that there was potential of lymph invasion, not that there was. Please question this with your dr so you know for sure. Prayers to you.
Comment 0If you're not happy with the way your report was addressed seek another opinion.
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerIf I recall since you're Pr+ it means your tumor was being fed by progesterone. Make sure and ask your doctor when you see them and they can clarify that as we aren't doctors here.
4 comments 0
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