what is invasive apocrine cancer?

Betty14

hello

            can someone please explain what this type of cancer is? I posted a long post about my diagnosis but no one answered even though it got 18 views so I thought I'd cancel that and post this new one. Perhaps my last post was too long. I was trying to explain how it is that I had my diagnosis mixed up. I thought I had DCIS.....turns out I have stage 1 grade one invasive apocrine cancer. I cannot find any clear information on this type of bc. Perhaps someone here would be so kind to link me in the right direction.

I'm very down right now and really could use some help. What I have is IAC.

 

Thank you

wenweb

bettylovestrees, I'm sorry you didn't have any response to your last post.  I did a google search and found this link.  I hope it helps, and I'm sorry that you have had to find yourself here.  You will generally find lots of helpful information with the help of the top notch ladies on this site.  Best wishes!

Apocrine Breast Cancer - Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

wrenn

I don't know anything about this type but wanted to give a chirp so you wouldn't feel ignored ( how do you tell how many views by the way?)I am sure this has been a shock for you and one that will take time to process just as first hearing you have breast ca was shocking.  Hopefully someone will come along with more info. It is quite late so you will likely get more responses in the morning.  I would trust the doctor who was confident that you didn't need more treatment.

Hang in there.

Betty14

hey wenweb,

                     thank you so much for replying to my post it really cheered me up. I have read that link but I guess I'm still in the dark about how my lump remained in the duct but it's invasive. When I spoke to my doctor she told me I was very lucky to get it so early because it didn't leave the duct. I appreciate your response and support.:)

Betty14

Hello wrenn

                      I am so happy that you replied to my post ..not feeling so lonely now. Thank you for your kind words and yes I will trust my dr. I'm just one of those people that need to feel in control and at this moment  don't.  I know I will get there and will feel better soon. It's nice to feel welcomed here since I plan to spend a bit of time in this section. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all in future.

wishing everyone the best of health:),

                  

NancyHB

Hi Betty,  I don't have any information about apocrine cancer, but wanted to reach out so you don't feel so alone, especially during a challenging time such as this.  Sometimes, people read threads and when they can't offer any information (or don't know anything about a dx), they skip over it.  I find I read threads because I'm hoping to learn something myself in the process (which is why I "hit" on this post myself - I've never heard of apocrine cancer!)  I hope you get the answers you need, and soon!  *hugs*

DiveCat

OP,

I can only tell you based on what Google tells me, but wanted to respond as I am sorry you are dealing with this new uncertainty and realization. It looks like it is a rather rare (4% of breast cancers) form of breast cancer that is found in the ducts. Invasive means it has left the duct. The invasive component might have been very small and only found during surgery, but you should call and ask your oncologist for more details.

Here is another link: http://www.breast-cancer.ca/type/apocrine-breast-carcinoma.htm

It looks like your oncologist did not think Tamoxifen was necessary and they certainly knew the details of your diagnosis even if you did not, but you can call and ask what your recurrence risk is. I don't know the effectiveness of Tamoxifen on this subtype of BC or if any studies have been done, or it was just recommended as you had ER+ receptors, or if was recommended as a preventative for a new primary. It seems this subtype of cancer is usually triple negative. Perhaps the benefit of tamoxifen was low which is why your oncologist did not push for it. Still, your decision requires an informed choice and it sounds like you were unable to do that, be it as it was not properly explained to you or because you misunderstood the diagnosis.

wenweb

bettylovestrees,  Please keep us posted on what you find out!!  

Betty14

Dear Nancy HB,

                            thank you so much for your support...I felt your lovely hug it was very comforting

Betty14

The two links above from wenweb and DiveCat are the two best bits of information I also found on the net. I'm just glad this post is here now for anyone else that mIght be looking for AIC info. I will post anything new that I find or any information I may get from future appointments with my med team.

 

Thanks so much ladies:):)