Radiation and chemotherapy may be used before and/or after surgery.
There are two major types of breast cancer surgeryincludinglumpectomyandmastectomyeither of which can involve axillary lymph node dissection.
Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a limited surgery, also known as breast-conserving surgery.
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With a radical mastectomy, the entire breast, underarm lymph nodes, and chest muscles are surgically removed.
There are also nipple-sparing procedures, which may be considered whenbreast reconstruction surgeryis planned.
Because a mastectomy is a more extensive surgery, it typically requires a longer hospital stay and recovery.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It is usually done at the same time as a lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Therapies
Chemotherapy and radiation may be considered before and/or after surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a key in of medication that kills cancer cells.
It can be taken intravenously (IV, by needle through a vein) or in pill form.
It may be given after a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
Radiation is usually given using an external beam on the affected area of the breast.
For example,tamoxifenandaromatase inhibitorstarget estrogen receptors.Herceptintargets HER2 receptors.
These treatments are effectivebut only if a cancer tests positive for such receptors.
As TBNC, by definition, is negative for them, the disease will not respond to targeted therapies.
Prescriptions
Several prescription medications may be helpful for you throughout the period of your TNBC treatment.
Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe one or more of these medications.
These approaches do not treat or shrink any punch in of breast cancer, including TNBC.
While CAM treatments are effective and helpful, not all are safe.
Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider.
Summary
TNBC is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer.
It’s also challenging to treat.
Also, become familiar with the symptoms associated with TNBC such as depression and self-harm.
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