My mother has pain in breast due to cancer. What to do?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and there is pain in her left breast, waist, and back. Can you please tell me the treatment options available?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and the reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) you have provided. I can understand that this would be a difficult time for your family, and it is natural to get a second opinion.

Based on reports, it looks like your mother has advanced breast cancer, as it has spread beyond the breast to other organs like the bone and liver. It is called stage 4 cancer. Sadly, this cancer stage is not entirely curable, but we have many breast cancer therapy options that can reduce her symptoms and prolong her life.

The treatment for this stage is mainly chemotherapy or targeted treatment. Surgery or radiation therapy is not a primary treatment for this stage. It depends on the type of breast cancer.

It is decided on a hormone status report from a biopsy called ER-PR (estrogen receptor-progesterone receptor) and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). It can also tell about the aggressiveness of cancer.

If you have done these tests, you can attach them so that I can tell you the available options in detail.

If you have any other questions, you can always revert.

Thank you.