Explain Mrs. Smith's diagnosis: Stage IIB Invasive Ductal ...

[Arii_bell]

Explain Mrs. Smith's diagnosis: Stage IIB Invasive Ductal Carcinoma T2N1miM0 . Specifically discuss the type of breast cancer and the staging of her diagnosis.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the risk factors for developing breast cancer? Explain potential genetic and environmental risk factors. Does Mrs. Smith have any of these in her history?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[anyusername12131]

Answer to Question 1

 This means that her breast cancer originated in the mammary ducts and is spreading.
 Stage IIB means that the cancer is either T2, N1, M0 or T3, N0, M0
 The T2 indicates that the primary tumor site is 2-5 cm
 The N1mi indicates that the cancer has spread to 1-3 axillary lymph nodes and are micrometastases (< 2mm)
 M0 indicates that no distant metastasis has been found (via imaging or physical exam)

Answer to Question 2

 Risk factors for breast cancer:
- Female
- Age (increases with age)
- Adult height (increased risk in taller individuals)
- Larger birth weight
- Family history of cancer
- Late menopause
- Early menarche
- Exposure of radiation to chest (for younger females)
- Hormone replacement therapy (progestin > 5 yrs)
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
- Central adiposity in postmenopausal women
 Yes, Mrs. Smith has some risk factors: family history of breast cancer (mom and sister), female, and older age (61 yrs).

[Arii_bell]

Great answer, keep it coming

[Sarahjh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it