ypT2 ypN1a grade 2 IDC ER7 PR8 HER 1+ what does all this all mean?
Hi mlp74
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Hi mlp74
Thanks for your post asking what the terms ypT2 ypN1a grade 2 IDC ER7 PR8 HER 1+ mean. It’s understandable you want to know more about what the terms mean.
The term ypT refers to the pathology report of the cancer after it has been examined under the microscope (pathological examination), following neo-adjuvant treatment. Neo-adjuvant means treatment given before surgery. For example, chemotherapy given before surgery to shrink a cancer is called primary or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.
The ‘y’ refers to the measurement taken after neo-adjuvant treatment. The ‘p’ refers to pathologist’s measurement from the tissue removed during surgery. The ‘T’ stands for tumour size of the tumour and N refers to the lymph nodes. This gives information on what the stage the cancer was after treatment and if any further treatment might be needed.
IDC stands for invasive ductal carcinoma. This means the cancer started in a breast duct. When it is invasive it means it has the potential to spread to other areas of the body, but it does not mean the cancer has or will spread, just that it’s a possibility. Most breast cancers are this type.
The grade refers to how different the cancer cells are to normal breast cells and how quickly they are growing.
Some breast cancers use hormones in the body to help them grow. This type of breast cancer is called hormone receptor positive breast cancer. ER stands for the hormone oestrogen and PR stands for hormone progesterone. When a breast cancer is ER7 and PR8 it means it is hormone receptor positive (ER+). This means your specialist is likely to discuss having hormone therapy.
HER stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) which is a protein on the surface of a breast cancer cell. Some breast cancer cells have a higher than normal level of HER2 on their surface, which helps them to grow. The test results are reported as a score. A score of 0 or 1+ means the breast cancer is HER2 negative. This means treatment to target this receptor is not needed as it would not be of any benefit.
It may be helpful to talk to your breast care nurse or doctor and ask them what these results mean in your situation.
You may find our information about understanding your pathology results of some help. You may also find this information helpful to read in booklet form which you can download as a pdf or order online for free.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Teresa
Breast Care Nurse
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