medullary breast cancer

Release time ：Dec-24,2024

Medullary breast carcinoma is a relatively uncommon form of breast cancer, distinguished by the loose arrangement of tumor cells and a pronounced stromal inflammatory response. Although it represents a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, recognizing its features is vital for diagnosis and therapeutic planning.

Pathologically, medullary breast carcinoma is characterized by tumor cells that form nests or sheets, rather than the typical glandular structures. This distinctive histological pattern facilitates the identification of medullary breast carcinoma under microscopic examination. Additionally, medullary breast carcinomas are often HER2-negative, indicating a lack of overexpression of the HER2 protein, which contrasts with certain other breast cancer subtypes. Furthermore, these carcinomas frequently exhibit a higher Ki-67 index, a marker of cellular proliferation, suggesting an aggressive growth rate of the tumor cells.

Treatment for medullary breast carcinoma typically includes surgical tumor excision, potentially followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or endocrine therapy, based on the tumor's specific characteristics and the patient's individual circumstances. Given the unique nature of medullary breast carcinoma, patients should vigilantly monitor their disease progression and adhere to their physician's recommendations for regular follow-up appointments.

In their daily lives, patients diagnosed with medullary breast carcinoma should focus on maintaining healthy lifestyle practices, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from harmful behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. They should also be attentive to any changes in their physical health and promptly seek medical attention and professional advice if they experience discomfort or have concerns. Throughout the treatment process, patients must strictly adhere to their prescribed medication regimens, refraining from altering dosages or discontinuing medications without guidance, to ensure therapeutic efficacy and minimize avoidable risks.