What are the chances of cure if metastases exist?
In breast cancer, one must distinguish lymph node metastases from metastases in other organs. When we speak colloquially of lymph node involvement, we automatically mean metastases in the lymph nodes. Lymph node involvement is associated with higher chances of recovery than metastases in other organs.
Breast cancer likes to metastasize in the lungs, liver, skeleton or brain, for example. As soon as metastases are present in these organs, the primary therapeutic goal is usually no longer to cure the disease. The metastases are a sign that the breast cancer has spread throughout the body through the bloodstream and it is almost impossible to bring the disease to a halt again.
At this stage, the therapy focuses more on maintaining bodily functions and the patient’s quality of life. Even with metastases, survival for years may be possible, which is why it is difficult to make statements about the survival rate. Furthermore, one must differentiate according to the localization of the metastasis. Bone metastases, for example, can be treated well with modern therapy, and the patient’s burden can be comparable to the burden of a non-malignant chronic disease.
How does the size of the tumor affect the survival rate?
The size of the primary tumor is one of the relevant factors that can also influence the survival rate. A tumor as small as possible is prognostically more favorable for the survival rate than a large tumor.Tumors smaller than or equal to 2 cm in size are still classified as low risk tumors. It is assumed that small tumors are still a local occurrence. Large tumors have a higher risk that they have already entered the lymphatic system and that tumor cells are already present in the lymph nodes.
How does the stage affect the survival rate?
Breast cancer is divided into different stages according to the TNM classification. Each letter of TNM stands for a different characteristic of the tumor. T classifies the size and extent of the tumor itself.
A localized tumor, which is less than or equal to 2 cm in size, has a positive effect on the survival rate. If the findings are small, lymph nodes are often not yet affected, which has a significant influence on the prognosis and survival rate. In the case of larger tumors, either a very aggressive growth or an already long growth period must be assumed, which reduces the chances of local cancer.
N (engl. nodes=lymph nodes) provides information about the lymph node status. The TNM classification also distinguishes between the different localizations of the lymph nodes.
For the survival rate, however, it is more important how many lymph nodes are affected. The M in the classification stands for metastases. This does not refer to lymph node metastases, but to metastases in other organs, such as the lungs or liver.
