Advanced Cancer Stage on First Diagnosis

maxfaith

I am just wondering if advanced BC like those on stage 3 and 4 possibly be found out on first diagnosis like the first surgical biopsy done or the doctor will probably declare all first diagnosis will likely come out IDC / DICS only?

Warrior_Woman

Hi Maxfaith,

I know how frightened you are and it is normal to try to guess your pathology results. While it is possible for the initial diagnosis to be any stage of BC and some women are stage 3 or 4 from the start, over half are in situ or stage 1 at first diagnosis according to Komen's site. Here is the link:

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/DistributionOfCancerStagesPopulation.html

exbrnxgrl

As warrior woman said, it can happen but it not likely to. I know it is hard not to worry and to think of all the "what ifs", but the odds are in your favor! Take care.

muska

Speaking of surgical biopsy it does show the number of lymph nodes with cancer and therefore, one can be assigned to Stage 3 just based on surgical biopsy results. They will then run scannings to assess for metastasis.

However, stage 3 is considered 'locally advanced' early staged breast cancer and is not the same as  stage 4 when it comes to treatment and monitoring.

I am sure there are stats on the internet that would tell you %% of women diagnozed at stage 3 and 4. If you find recent numbers please share.

BarredOwl

Hi Maxfaith:

FYI, I responded in detail to your other post about your mom's diagnosis. Please check it out.

Please know that NOT all initial diagnoses are a mix of DCIS or IDC. They may be pure DCIS or IDC alone, or other types like invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Just a reminder that DCIS is by definition Stage 0. However, if IDC is also present, then the IDC can be any of Stage 1 - 4. Please see my reply to your other post for an explanation of what determines stage. The actual stage may not be fully known until additional tests/surgery are complete, so the doctor is not being evasive.

If her doctor told her it is early stage, then there is no reason to think she is stage 4 at this time.

BarredOwl