Remember, a tumor is a mass of abnormal tissue. There are two types of tumors: those that are non-cancerous, or ‘benign’, and those that are cancerous, which are...
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 CancerThis depends on whether your laboratory is reporting using the English/Australian system often called the Nottingham Index or Bloom and Richardson VERSUS the American system.
You did not say which country you were posting from.
The answer above is correct for US and US based tumour rating...
This depends on whether your laboratory is reporting using the English/Australian system often called the Nottingham Index or Bloom and Richardson VERSUS the American system.
You did not say which country you were posting from.
The answer above is correct for US and US based tumour rating systems BUT in the Nottingham Index used in UK, Australia etc a Grade 3 means three individual scores of 1 [lowest risk] added together equals 3. Which under that system is the LOWEST score or the least aggressive form of cancer, not the more aggressive.
I believe the grade is for agressiveness. 1. is mild, 2. moderate and 3. very agressive.
Comment 0Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerFrom what I know, the stage refers to how much the tumor has spread, while the grade refers to how abnormal the cancer cells are. So you could have a smaller tumor that has not really spread, like in Stage I, but it could be made up of aggressive, more abnormal cells, which would give it a...
From what I know, the stage refers to how much the tumor has spread, while the grade refers to how abnormal the cancer cells are. So you could have a smaller tumor that has not really spread, like in Stage I, but it could be made up of aggressive, more abnormal cells, which would give it a higher grade.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerTracy,
Arrrgh... by the time you have completed your treatment, you will be an expert! So sorry it has to be an expert in breast cancer treatment. Have you heard what type of breast cancer you have yet? As several have said.... Stage is the size of the tumor and how much it has spread. My...
Tracy,
Arrrgh... by the time you have completed your treatment, you will be an expert! So sorry it has to be an expert in breast cancer treatment. Have you heard what type of breast cancer you have yet? As several have said.... Stage is the size of the tumor and how much it has spread. My stage was was a 2B..... (a 2.3cm with 1 positive lymph node.) The grade is how agressive the cells are.... grade 1-relatively non-agressive, grade 2 - middle of the road. grade 3 more aggressive cells. Within the grade, there can be varying degrees of aggressiveness. You will also have a report on your cancer's sensitivety to hormones. It will be ER+ or - PR + or - and HER2 + or -
Breast cancer is very individual to each person. You can have the same type of breast cancer as the next woman and that is where the similarities end. Your cells are unique to you. Your treatment will be developed because of the cells seen at your biopsy. You will wonder why your treatment is different from mine but it is because our breast cancer may be completely different on a cell level. It's confusing for sure. Each woman reaction to their treatments are all different too. Just as Jo says... bring every single itty bitty question to your interview. Best too, if you bring a friend who can either take really great notes or bring some kind of recorder with you. You are given a lot of information and you won't necessarily remember it all. We are always here for you as you go through your treatment. Hang in there.... there's a wonderful bunch of "sister's" out here to help. Take care, Sharon
i have grade 3 breast cancer but i dont understand that, im scared it is growing everywhere else. what does that mean?
11 comments 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! :-)
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