What Is The Prognosis For 4th Stage Breast Cancer Patient With Huge Lump In Breast?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jul 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 Answered on

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Question : My neice age 34 has just been diagnosed with 4th stage breast cancer. She had felt a small lump in her breast four years ago and because she has no insurance she let it go thinking it was nothing but a lump from to much caffine. Now it has gone from the size of a pea to the size of a walnut. She is about 5'4" in height and weighs around 108 lbs. She is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow. Does this mean the Drs know for sure that it has spread to other parts of her body? What is her prognosis?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Stage 4 breast cancer indicates advanced cancer and has spread to other parts of the body.

The prognosis depends on multiple factors - area of spread, presence of complications, receptor positive / negative, etc,

Though the prognosis is grave and the condition is not curable, if she gets proper treatment and if the tumor is Her2 receptor positive type then the condition can be kept under control. With proper treatment, it may very well prolong and improve her quality of life; which should be the ultimate goal.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad