Definition
Tumors in the breast can form certain receptors, i.e. docking sites for hormones and growth factors, for example. The tissue of breast tumors is examined for the formation of three different receptors. If the tumor does not form any of these three receptors, it is called triple-negative.
The tumor is considered triple-negative if it does not form any of the three classical hormone receptors estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2), i.e. if less than 1% of these receptors are present. 15 to 20% of all breast cancers (breast cancer) are triple negative. In the case of breast tumors that possess these receptors, antibody or hormone therapy can be useful, which attacks precisely these receptors and thus prevents the tumor from growing. This therapy option is not necessary for triple-negative tumors, i.e. tumors that are negative with regard to these receptors, since these targets are not present in the tumor tissue.
Associated symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer
Most symptoms of breast cancer are confined to the breast. This can lead to a palpable lump and also to skin changes, such as orange peel skin. Also retractions of the skin and changes of the breast shape up to asymmetry are possible.
In rare cases there may be bleeding from the breast. In general, signs of inflammation such as swelling, redness and overheating can also occur if the tumor is of an inflammatory nature. As the disease progresses, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit and above the collarbone may occur.
Here, local metastasis (formation of daughter ulcers) has already spread to the lymph nodes. In rare cases, the chest wall may also be affected. General symptoms only appear in the late stages of breast cancer when the tumor has already formed secondary tumors.
Then fatigue, exhaustion and listlessness may occur. In addition, one can lose weight and fever and increased night sweats can occur. Breast cancer can metastasize to many different places, i.e. malignant daughter ulcers can form in other parts of the body.
The first metastases usually occur in the lymph nodes, especially in the armpit. Here, the metastases can lead to lymphedema (water retention due to disturbance of the lymph drainage) in the affected arm. Another place where metastases can occur is in the bones.
Here, patients usually complain of bone pain. The tumor can also spread to the lungs, so that those affected then complain of coughing and shortness of breath. Further metastases can occur in the liver, which can lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes and restriction of liver function, even to liver failure. Finally, breast cancer can also metastasize to the brain. Here, depending on the location of the tumor, neurological deficits can occur.
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