Invasive Apocrine Carcinoma

CuriousJean

After initially being diagnosed with IDC after biopsy, the pathology report after surgery changed it to Invasive Apocrine Carcinoma. Is anyone familiar with this diagnosis? The nurse who called me with the report told me that it is very rare. My post op appt isn't until May 8th so I have no idea what kind of treatments are involved. Would love to hear from others who might have the same diagnosis.

wrenn

Sorry you were diagnosed with breast cancer. The struggle is hard but this site is great for info and support. I remember reading when searching for my type that apocrine was very responsive to chemo. It is also usually triple negative so hormone targets don't work on it. Not sure if that is accurate but pubmed has reliable info if searching.

Hoping for a smooth ride for you

CuriousJean

I was called by my surgeon with the report from the pathologist. The office didn't give me any more information other than it's a very rare type of cancer. Unlike you, I am ER-/PR-, HER2 3+ overexpressed. At least that was the information that I got from the biopsy that diagnosed me as IDC. Seeing as that pathologist got the diagnosis wrong, I am not sure I can trust the markers. I meet with the surgeon on May 8th so hoping to get insight on a treatment plan.

I had my surgery at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, a well-respected cancer research center; so I feel like I'm in the right place to get the proper treatment. I went to pubmed but couldn't find anything more than what was already on the internet.

wrenn

It can be IDC with apocrine differential or features so the pathology might not be wrong. I have a friend with IDC/apocrine. Mine is IDC/metaplastic. There are so many variations in cells. Hopefully you will be told what to expect soon. Not knowing what is going on is scary. ETA found on Johns Hopkins site.

Apocrine Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Apocrine breast cancer is a rare type of invasive ductal breast cancer. ... Apocrine tumors, even when triple negative, are less likely to involve the lymph nodes, are more responsive to treatment, and may have a better prognosis than more common types of invasive ductal cancer.

ETA again...my friend has apocrine and is doing well years later. Her oncologist wasn't concerned since it responds well to chemo.

CuriousJean

I had found the Johns Hopkins reference. It's the most optimistic of the few write-ups on the web. however; I'm glad to hear that your friend is doing well; that's very encouraging. Did she only have chemo or were there other treatments involved?

wrenn

My friend had chemo and radiation after a lumpectomy. If she had had a mastectomy she wouldn't have needed radiation. The options for treatment depend on the size of your tumour, age and health you could be offered mastectomy with chemo or lumpectomy with chemo and/or radiation. You will find out what is recommended at your first visit with an oncologist. I would find ways to distract yourself for the next 6 days. It is hard but once you have a plan it is a little easier. There will be areas of this site to help you with info for any treatments you will be having and lots of support.

Alicethecat2

Hello Curious Jean

I had IDC with apocrine features seven years ago. HER2+. Grade 3.

Doing well. Trying to do good.

Why not you?

Alice

CuriousJean

I am doing good right now. Had no problems with the 3 biopsies or the surgery. I meet with the surgeon next Wednesday for my post-op. Hopefully, I will get more information regarding my diagnosis, markers, and treatment plan. Waiting is the hardest thing, but I've been keeping busy to make the time pass quicker. When the nurse called to give me an update, she didn't mention IDC with apocrine features; she simply said that I had Invasive Apocrine Carcinoma, a very rare cancer. Do you know if they are the same? From what I've read, my malignancy is very treatable, so I am thinking positive.