grading

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1

Hello,

My Mum (60) has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a lump in her left breast 2-4cm and has a single masectomy op on tuesday.

She received a letter from her doctor/hospital saying at this stage they think the cancer is graded at a 2 and that it seems to be detached. I wondered if anyone could explain to me grading/stages? since Mum has had this letter her hopes seem to of risen. I am totally confused as we/I know nothing at all.

Thank you so much in advance for any replies.

2

Hi jenny

I will try to give a brief outline but there are some real experts with vg medical knowledge who may be along later.
When they take a core biopsy the test the cells to get there grade. That tells them how abnormal they are. Grade 1 is not so abnormal grade 2 is more different and grade 3 is very abnormal. However it is important to know that this can change later. When they remove the tumour they test it all and grade it according to the highest type of cell they find. So even if there were just a few grade 3 cells the tumour would be graded 3. Thet do this so that they know the best treatment to give you.

Staging is different and my surgeon was not very interested in discussing it as there are lots of things it doesn’t take into consideration. If you look on the cancer research website there is a good explanation. But basically your stage depends on a combination of grade, tumour size and node involment. Your mam may not have all of that information yet. Once she has she can discuss her stage with her doctors and bcn. Hope that has helped a little bit. Dx

3

Hi jenny76

Welcome to the forums, I’m sorry to read of your Mums recent diagnosis. Breast Cancer Care have produced a booklet called ‘uderstanding your pathology report’ which may help you to understand these results better. If you would like to read this on line or order a copy just follow the link below:-

breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/pathology___feb_08_0.pdf

I hope this helps.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

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My breast surgeon explained Grade 2 as being Intermediate. Like your Mum I was also pleased to know that my tumour was Grade 2.

Jacqui

5

Hello,

My mother also has grade 2 BC and she is having a single masectomy. She used to be a nurse and has explained that grade 2 means it isn’t too abormal or too aggressive, so it is generally easier to treat than it would be if it was a higher grade. I’m very new to all this myself but it sounds positive.