Before we discuss triple negative breast cancer symptoms, let’s first take a look at what triple negative breast cancer is. If your breast cancer cells test negative for HER2, progesterone receptors, and estrogen receptors, then your breast cancer is referred to as “triple negative.” These results mean that the breast cancer cells are not growing due to support from the presence of too many HER2 receptors, nor is it due to the support of hormones estrogen or progesterone. Triple negative breast cancer is found in about 10 to 20% of breast cancer patients. So what are the symptoms of this type of breast cancer?
Triple negative breast cancer symptoms are very similar to the symptoms experienced by other types of breast cancer, but there are some slight differences. One of the first differences is that triple negative breast cancer tends to be a higher grade of cancer. With cancer grades, the higher the grade, the less the cancer cells look like normal cells. Triple negative breast cancer is usually a grade of 3, with the grading system going from 1 to 3. This means that triple negative breast cancer cells will look less like normal cells versus other types of breast cancer.
A second difference in triple negative breast cancer symptoms versus other types of breast cancer is its aggressiveness. This type of breast cancer grows at a much faster rate than other types of breast cancer. So symptoms will worsen much more quickly with triple negative breast cancer versus other types of breast cancer. Also, this type of breast cancer is much more likely to spread beyond the breast. It is also much more likely to come back after treatment versus other types of breast cancer. Both of these risks are greatest during the first 3 years after treatment.
The cells in triple negative breast cancer are referred to as “basal-like.” This is due to the fact that the cancer cells are similar to the basal cells that line breast ducts. As with other types of breast cancer, you should be checking for lumps. A lump or lumps in the breast can be a symptom of triple negative breast cancer. Even if you do not feel any lumps in your breast, if you have swelling in one area of your breast you should consult with your doctor immediately.
A couple other triple negative breast cancer symptoms that you should be aware of are changes in your nipples or your breast skin. If your breast skin appears scaly, red, dimpled, thick and irritated, this may be a symptom of triple negative breast cancer. If your nipples are discharging a non-milk liquid, or you are experiencing pain, your nipples turning inward, itchiness, or redness, these could also be symptoms of triple negative breast cancer.
Treatments for triple negative breast cancer tend to include radiation therapy, PARP inhibitors, and chemotherapy. Triple negative breast cancer cannot be treated with Herceptin or hormonal therapy.
Triple negative breast cancer symptoms are very similar to the symptoms experienced by other types of breast cancer, but there are some slight differences. One of the first differences is that triple negative breast cancer tends to be a higher grade of cancer. With cancer grades, the higher the grade, the less the cancer cells look like normal cells. Triple negative breast cancer is usually a grade of 3, with the grading system going from 1 to 3. This means that triple negative breast cancer cells will look less like normal cells versus other types of breast cancer.
A second difference in triple negative breast cancer symptoms versus other types of breast cancer is its aggressiveness. This type of breast cancer grows at a much faster rate than other types of breast cancer. So symptoms will worsen much more quickly with triple negative breast cancer versus other types of breast cancer. Also, this type of breast cancer is much more likely to spread beyond the breast. It is also much more likely to come back after treatment versus other types of breast cancer. Both of these risks are greatest during the first 3 years after treatment.
The cells in triple negative breast cancer are referred to as “basal-like.” This is due to the fact that the cancer cells are similar to the basal cells that line breast ducts. As with other types of breast cancer, you should be checking for lumps. A lump or lumps in the breast can be a symptom of triple negative breast cancer. Even if you do not feel any lumps in your breast, if you have swelling in one area of your breast you should consult with your doctor immediately.
A couple other triple negative breast cancer symptoms that you should be aware of are changes in your nipples or your breast skin. If your breast skin appears scaly, red, dimpled, thick and irritated, this may be a symptom of triple negative breast cancer. If your nipples are discharging a non-milk liquid, or you are experiencing pain, your nipples turning inward, itchiness, or redness, these could also be symptoms of triple negative breast cancer.
Treatments for triple negative breast cancer tend to include radiation therapy, PARP inhibitors, and chemotherapy. Triple negative breast cancer cannot be treated with Herceptin or hormonal therapy.
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