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Does Mammography Test Detect 3rd Stage Breast Cancer?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Feb 2015
Question: is it possible 3rd stage breast cancer does not come in memography report
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
USG of breast

Detailed Answer:
Hi

In stage III breast cancer the cancer still hasn't spread far beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes.

Sometimes in this stage mammography may be normal and so the confirmatory test is ultrasonography of the breast to prove malignancy.

However, in this stage there typically are many lymph nodes involved or the tumor is so large it extends to the chest wall or involves the skin of the breast.

Even though the breast cancer is more advanced, the five-year survival rate is still about 41% - 67%.

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (19 minutes later)
The doctor we visited recently, without any further tests, said that she suspects either stage 3 or stage 4 cancer without any further tests and said that we most likely need only the PET scan.

This has thrown us off a bit. Can such a late cancer stage not detected properly in mammography? Also, what symptoms would be present in the body if it were that late of a stage. My mom is otherwise healthy, although she has diabetes, which is pretty controlled and high blood pressure which is controlled as well. She does exercise everyday, and has good stamina. She is pretty active too.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
late stage breast cancer is detected in mammography

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Stage 1 or 2 breast cancer are sometimes not detected in mammography.

Late stage breast cancer should be detected in mammography

Symptoms of late stage breast cancer are feeling lump in the breast, nipple discharge, skin changes, swelling, stomach upset, loss of appetite and weight loss.

If the cancer is in late stage then PET scan will detect breast cancer and its distant spread in the body more accurately.

If you have no more clarifications then please raete the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Monish De (57 minutes later)
Hi,

Doesn't the mammography says that lesion is 8x5.5x4.2 mm. Although, if we feel the lump, it is about 6cm. Could there be blood/fluid around the lesion and the lesion itself is small. The needle biopsy suggests breast carcenoma but has not confirmed that. We are planning to go for PET scan of whole body tomorrow.
We are really afraid of getting her on to Chemo because of all the ill effects it has. Can the cancer be totally removed if we go for breast removal at third stage?

Could her cancer be fourth stage as well? Are you aware of any alternate therapies like B17 (Apricot seed kernels) and Vitamin C?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Monish De (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Early stage breast cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi

There could be blood or fluid around the lesion and the lesion itself could be small.

I feel the cancer is in early stage 3 and it can be cured by surgery.

PET scan will give a clearer picture whether it is in early or late stage.

Alternate therapies like B17 and vitamin c are not scientifically proven.

So do not lose hope.

Regards

DR DE
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Monish De

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2229 Questions

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Does Mammography Test Detect 3rd Stage Breast Cancer?

Brief Answer: USG of breast Detailed Answer: Hi In stage III breast cancer the cancer still hasn't spread far beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. Sometimes in this stage mammography may be normal and so the confirmatory test is ultrasonography of the breast to prove malignancy. However, in this stage there typically are many lymph nodes involved or the tumor is so large it extends to the chest wall or involves the skin of the breast. Even though the breast cancer is more advanced, the five-year survival rate is still about 41% - 67%. Regards DR DE