What is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)?

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer. It constitutes 15% of all invasive breast cancer cases. Triple-negative breast cancer cells lack the following characteristics that most breast cancers have:

Estrogen and progesterone receptors. Most breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive. In the United States, about two-thirds of breast cancers are ER+ and/or PR+. Receptors are molecules located on the surface of cells that determine which substances can attach to them and influence their functions. Triple-negative breast cancer cells are characterized by the absence of these receptors.

HER2 receptors. HER2-positive breast cancer cells comprise 15% to 20% of all breast cancers. HER2-positive breast cancers thrive on the HER2 pathway. This gene translates into the creation of the HER2 protein. These are, in fact, receptors. Breast cancer cells classified as triple negative do not produce HER2 receptors.

What are triple-negative breast cancer symptoms?

Symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer include the same manifestations as other much more common cancers of the breast. TNBC symptoms may also include:

• A new lump or mass.
• Swelling of all or part of a breast.
• Dimpled skin.
• Burning, tenderness, or pain in your breast or nipple area.
• Nipple retraction: when your nipple turns inward.
• Nipple or breast skin that is scaly, red or thickened.
• Nipple discharge: any fluid other than breast milk.
• Swollen lymph nodes may occur when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes located under your arm or near your collarbone.

As you consider your situation, remember that many breast cancer symptoms are like other less severe conditions. That means having specific symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have breast cancer.

What causes Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)?

Researchers don’t know the exact cause, but they connect it to BRCA gene mutations.

What increases the risk of Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)?

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) occur in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are 40 years old or younger.

• Those with BRCA mutations, which are inherited genetic changes that raise the risk of cancer.
• Those who are Black or Hispanic.

How is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) diagnosed?

The first step is often a mammogram to check a suspicious lump in the breast. Based on the findings, healthcare providers may do a biopsy to remove breast tissue. Medical pathologists study the cells under a microscope to determine the cancer type.

Providers may also use these tests to check tumor size and spread before treatment:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Triple-negative breast cancer shows more aggressive features than other types of breast cancer and spreads faster. A 2016 study found that tumors of triple-negative breast cancer grew by 1% each day between diagnosis and surgery. In comparison, HER2-positive breast cancer tumors grew by 0.859% per/day.

What are the stages of triple-negative breast cancer?

Healthcare providers apply the TNM cancer staging system to treat the disease. In TNM, T stands for the size of a tumor, N for the presence of cancer in lymph nodes, and M for the spread of the disease. The stages of the cancer are as follows:

• Stage 0: The disease is non-invasive. It has not broken out from your breast ducts.
• Stage I: The cells have spread to the neighbouring tissue in the breast.
• Stage II: The tumor is categorized based on its size and whether it has spread to underarm lymph nodes. It can be smaller than 2 centimetres and have spread to the underarm lymph nodes, or larger than 5 centimetres without spreading to those nodes. Tumors at this stage can also range from 2 to 5 centimetres in size and may or may not affect nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: The cancer spreads beyond the source. It will have possibly filled the tissue on the adjacent tissue and lymph node but hasn't reached the farther organs. Health practitioners may use such a term in describing Stage III cancer as a "locally advanced breast cancer."
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to parts of your body far away from your breast, including bones, liver, lungs or brain. Stage IV breast cancer is also referred to as metastatic breast cancer.

What is the treatment for triple-negative breast cancer?

Medical Researchers & Healthcare providers are investigating new methods to treat TNBC. Recent clinical trials are evaluating new drug combinations and innovative approaches to existing treatments. Some of these current treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: Providers may treat early-stage triple-negative breast cancer with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.
• Immunotherapy: Healthcare providers may use a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy to reduce tumors before surgery. Additionally, you might receive immunotherapy for about a year following your surgery and any post-surgery radiation therapy.
• Surgery: This may be a lumpectomy to remove one lump or a mastectomy to remove the entire breast. After that, doctors perform axillary node surgery or sentinel node biopsy to look for signs that your breast cancer has spread to your lymph nodes.
• Targeted therapy: Physicians may use immunotherapy and chemotherapy in conjunction with cancer-cell-targeting medicines. For example, doctors might employ PARP inhibitors as a targeted therapy. Poly ADP ribose polymerase, or PARP for short, is a cellular enzyme that fixes damage to DNA.
• Radiation therapy: Following surgery, radiation therapy helps lower the risk of cancer returning.

What are the side effects of these treatments?

Each treatment can cause different side effects, and people may react to them in various ways. Talk to your healthcare provider about the specific side effects of your treatment. They will explain how to manage these side effects and what you can do to help yourself.

Can triple-negative breast cancer be prevented?

The cause of triple-negative breast cancer is not known, but this condition is related to mutations or alterations of the BRCA genes. However, there are ways to prevent breast cancers, including TNBC, such as:

• Maintain and achieve a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Be informed about your family's medical history.
• Keep track of your breast health.
• If you have a family history of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, consult your healthcare provider regarding genetic testing for BRCA genes.

What is the prognosis or predicted outcome for triple-negative breast cancer?

Recent achievements still improve the prognosis for TNBC by finding new therapeutic approaches, among which are immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors. Investigators in the clinical medicine field invent new ways to use existing ones. Like in most cancers, the earlier healthcare professionals diagnose triple-negative breast cancer, the better. SS

Living With

I have triple-negative breast cancer. What can I do to help myself?

Caring for yourself is one of the most important ways to assist yourself. Cancer frequently takes away the things people feel have control over their lives. Engaging in acts of self-care is one method of overcoming the feeling. During and after treatment, here are some things that you can do:

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a rare and often misunderstood condition. Many people are unaware that TNBC cannot be treated in the same way as other types of breast cancer. Because of this, you may feel isolated and alone in your experience with this cancer. If you find yourself feeling this way, your healthcare provider can help connect you to TNBC support groups and programs where you can talk with others who understand what you're going through.

You will likely want or need support during your treatment. Your friends and family are probably waiting for you to tell them how they can help. Ask them how they can support you.

If you will have cancer surgery, ask your healthcare provider what to expect right after surgery and any subsequent treatment. Knowing what to expect allows you to concentrate on what you can control instead of what you cannot.

Cancer is stressful. You can enjoy activities such as meditation, relaxation exercises, or deep breathing exercises that help to ease your stress.

Chemotherapy treatments might affect your appetite. If you're struggling to eat, focus on a healthy diet and consult a nutritionist. Radiation treatment may cause fatigue, so plan to rest frequently during your treatment.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced oncologists and breast cancer specialists, known as some of the best doctors for managing aggressive breast cancers. We provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging and biopsy tests, personalized treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy when required. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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