There are five stages of breast cancer, starting at zero and going up to four. There are several variables within some stages based on the size and location of the primary tumor, the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, tumor grade, and whether certain biomarkers are present. Learn more about the staging of breast cancer.
3D Medical Illustration depicting the TNM Stages in breast cancer
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
What Is Breast Cancer?
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Woman with Breast Cancer, Stage 1
Image by TheVisualMD
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Woman with Breast Cancer, Stage 1
Woman with Breast Cancer, Stage 1 : Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women; worldwide, about 1.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and about 465,000 will die from it (North America has the highest rate of breast cancer in the world). In recent years, however, tremendous strides have been made in early diagnosis and treatment. Imaging techniques have been refined to spot ever-tinier tumors, biomarkers have been developed to reflect physiological changes produced by cancer, and genetic tests have been devised to reveal increased familial risk of breast cancer.
Image by TheVisualMD
Introduction to Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant cell growth in the breast. If left untreated, the cancer spreads to other areas of the body. Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the United States, accounting for one of every three cancer diagnoses.
An estimated 211,240 new invasive cases of breast cancer were expected to occur among women in the United States during 2005. About 1,690 new male cases of breast cancer were expected in 2005.
The incidence of breast cancer rises after age 40. The highest incidence (approximately 80% of invasive cases) occurs in women over age 50.
In addition to invasive breast cancer, 58,590 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women during 2005. Of these, approximately 88% will be classified as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The detection of DCIS cases is a direct result of the increased use of mammography screening. This screening method is also responsible for detection of invasive cancers at a less advanced stage than might have occurred otherwise.
An estimated 40,870 deaths (40,410 women, 460 men) were anticipated from breast cancer in 2005. Breast cancer ranks second among cancer deaths in women. According to the most recent data, mortality rates declined significantly during 1992-1998, with the largest decreases in younger women, both white and black.
Source: Introduction to Breast Cancer | SEER Training
Additional Materials (5)
Why Am I at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer? | Being Jewish and Breast Cancer Risk
Video by Johns Hopkins Medicine/YouTube
Male breast cancer and other breast issues - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Breast Cancer in Women of Color: Controversies in Breast Cancer Screening
Video by NYU Langone Health/YouTube
Understanding Breast Cancer
Video by You and Breast Cancer/YouTube
Understand.com | Breast Cancer Animation Library Demo
Video by Understand/YouTube
3:36
Why Am I at Risk of Developing Breast Cancer? | Being Jewish and Breast Cancer Risk
Johns Hopkins Medicine/YouTube
3:14
Male breast cancer and other breast issues - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
16:02
Breast Cancer in Women of Color: Controversies in Breast Cancer Screening
NYU Langone Health/YouTube
8:24
Understanding Breast Cancer
You and Breast Cancer/YouTube
3:44
Understand.com | Breast Cancer Animation Library Demo
Understand/YouTube
How Does It Spread?
3D medical animation still showing metastatic or stage 4 Breast Cancer
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
3D medical animation still showing metastatic or stage 4 Breast Cancer
Metastatic or stage 4 cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
Image by Scientific Animations, Inc.
How Does Breast Cancer Spread?
There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.
Cancer can spread through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood:
Tissue. The cancer spreads from where it began by growing into nearby areas.
Lymph system. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the lymph system. The cancer travels through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.
Blood. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the blood. The cancer travels through the blood vessels to other parts of the body.
Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body.
When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it is called metastasis. Cancer cells break away from where they began (the primary tumor) and travel through the lymph system or blood.
Lymph system. The cancer gets into the lymph system, travels through the lymph vessels, and forms a tumor (metastatic tumor) in another part of the body.
Blood. The cancer gets into the blood, travels through the blood vessels, and forms a tumor (metastatic tumor) in another part of the body.
The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bone, the cancer cells in the bone are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (12)
Breast Cancer Stage 1A and 1B
Breast Cancer Stage 2A
Breast Cancer Stage 2B
Breast Cancer Stage 3A
Breast Cancer Stage 3B
Breast Cancer Stage 3C
Breast Cancer Stage 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Breast Cancer Stage
Breast Cancer Stage 1A and 1B
Breast Cancer Stage 2A
Breast Cancer Stage 2B
Breast Cancer Stage 3A
Breast Cancer Stage 3B
Breast Cancer Stage 3C
Breast Cancer Stage 4
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. The first of three panels shows a radioactive substance and/or blue dye injected near the tumor; the middle panel shows that the injected material is followed visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity to find the sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material); the third panel shows the removal of the tumor and the sentinel nodes to check for cancer cells.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. A radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor (first panel). The injected material is detected visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity (middle panel). The sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material) are removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel).
What Tests and Procedures Are Used to Stage Breast Cancer?
After breast cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the breast or to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out whether the cancer has spread within the breast or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. The results of some of the tests used to diagnose breast cancer are also used to stage the disease.
The following tests and procedures also may be used in the staging process:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy: The removal of the sentinel lymph node during surgery. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node in a group of lymph nodes to receive lymphatic drainage from the primary tumor. It is the first lymph node the cancer is likely to spread to from the primary tumor. A radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor. The substance or dye flows through the lymph ducts to the lymph nodes. The first lymph node to receive the substance or dye is removed. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope to look for cancer cells. If cancer cells are not found, it may not be necessary to remove more lymph nodes. Sometimes, a sentinel lymph node is found in more than one group of nodes.
Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
Bone scan: A procedure to check if there are rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, in the bone. A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive material collects in the bones with cancer and is detected by a scanner.
PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do.
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (4)
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of the Breast
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. The first of three panels shows a radioactive substance and/or blue dye injected near the tumor; the middle panel shows that the injected material is followed visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity to find the sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material); the third panel shows the removal of the tumor and the sentinel nodes to check for cancer cells.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. A radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor (first panel). The injected material is detected visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity (middle panel). The sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material) are removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel).
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. The first of three panels shows a radioactive substance and/or blue dye injected near the tumor; the middle panel shows that the injected material is followed visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity to find the sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material); the third panel shows the removal of the tumor and the sentinel nodes to check for cancer cells.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. A radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor (first panel). The injected material is detected visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity (middle panel). The sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material) are removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel).
DCIS (Stage 0) Breast Cancer and the Oncotype DX DCIS Score
Oncotype IQ/YouTube
1:06
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 4 Breast Cancer
National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Also called: SLNB, Biopsy of the Sentinel Lymph Node, Lymph Node Biopsy, Sentinel Node Biopsy, Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a test that checks lymph nodes for cancer cells. Some cancers, such as breast cancer and melanoma, can spread through the lymphatic system. The sentinel lymph node is the first node where a cancer usually spreads. The test can show whether your cancer is likely to spread.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Also called: SLNB, Biopsy of the Sentinel Lymph Node, Lymph Node Biopsy, Sentinel Node Biopsy, Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a test that checks lymph nodes for cancer cells. Some cancers, such as breast cancer and melanoma, can spread through the lymphatic system. The sentinel lymph node is the first node where a cancer usually spreads. The test can show whether your cancer is likely to spread.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Negative.
If your results are negative, it means no cancer cells were found, and it's unlikely that the cancer has spread. You will not need to have any more lymph nodes removed.
Related conditions
Breast cancer
Melanoma
Penile cancer
Endometrial cancer
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a test that checks lymph nodes for cancer cells. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, a network of organs and vessels that help the body fight infections and other diseases. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, including the underarms, neck, chest, abdomen, and groin.
Certain cancers, such as breast cancer and melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer), can spread through the lymphatic system. Cancers spread when cells break off from the original tumor and are carried to other parts of the body. The sentinel lymph node is the first node where these types of cancers are most likely to spread. The node is usually located near the site of the original tumor. Sometimes there is more than one sentinel lymph node.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy can show how likely it is that your cancer is spreading (metastasizing).
Other names: lymph node biopsy, sentinel node biopsy, sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy
A sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to find out whether an early-stage cancer has spread through the lymphatic system. It's most often used for people who have breast cancer or melanoma.
You may need this test if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, melanoma, or certain other types of cancer. It can show whether your cancer is spreading.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center. The procedure usually includes a special type of imaging test called lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphoscintigraphy takes pictures of the lymphatic system and is used to locate the sentinel lymph node. The procedure includes the following steps:
A health care provider will apply medicine to numb the skin over the procedure area.
You will be injected with a small amount of a radioactive substance called a tracer near the tumor. The tracer will travel and collect in the sentinel lymph node, or nodes. You may also be injected with a blue dye that stains the lymph node, making it easier to see.
You will be given general anesthesia. General anesthesia is a medicine that makes you unconscious. It makes sure you won't feel any pain during the surgery. A specially trained doctor called an anesthesiologist will give you this medicine.
Once you're unconscious, a camera will take images of the area. The camera finds and records the location of the tracer, which will have settled in the sentinel node.
The node will be removed and sent to a lab, where it will be checked for cancer cells. This part of the test is known as a biopsy.
The original tumor is also usually removed during the procedure.
You will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. You may also need to stop taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, for a certain time before your test. Your provider will let you know when you need to stop taking your medicine and anything else you need to do to prepare for the test.
In addition, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home. You may be groggy and confused after you wake up from the procedure.
You may have a little bleeding, pain, or bruising at the biopsy site. There is also a small risk of infection, which can be treated with antibiotics. Allergic reactions to the tracer are rare and usually mild.
There is very little exposure to radiation in a sentinel lymph node biopsy. While radiation exposure from the tracer in a sentinel lymph node biopsy is safe for most adults, it can be harmful to an unborn baby. So be sure to tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
The results will be given as positive or negative.
If your results are positive, it means cancer was found and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes and/or other organs. Your provider may recommend removing and testing more lymph nodes to check for cancer cells.
If your results are negative, it means no cancer cells were found, and it's unlikely that the cancer has spread. You will not need to have any more lymph nodes removed.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
While sentinel lymph node biopsies are mostly used for people with breast cancer or melanoma, it is currently being studied for use with other types of cancer, including:
Colon cancer
Stomach cancer
Thyroid cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Feb 03, 2024]
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy - NCI. National Cancer Institute. Jun 25, 2019 [accessed on Feb 03, 2024]
Melanoma: Tests After Diagnosis - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center [accessed on Feb 03, 2024]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (50)
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of the Breast
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. The first of three panels shows a radioactive substance and/or blue dye injected near the tumor; the middle panel shows that the injected material is followed visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity to find the sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material); the third panel shows the removal of the tumor and the sentinel nodes to check for cancer cells.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. A radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor (first panel). The injected material is detected visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity (middle panel). The sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material) are removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel).
Sentinel Lymph Node & Axillary Lymph Node Procedures for Breast Cancer - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Surgery for Melanoma Patients: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Complete Lymph Node Dissection
Video by American Cancer Society/YouTube
Sentinel Node Biopsy: Breast Cancer Lymph Node Surgery
Video by Breast Cancer School for Patients/YouTube
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for Gynecologic Cancers
Video by Memorial Sloan Kettering/YouTube
Introduction to the Lymphatic System
Video by Osmosis/YouTube
Lymphatic System, Part 2
Video by Tammy Moore/YouTube
The Lymphatic System, Part 1
Video by Tammy Moore/YouTube
The lymphatic system's role in immunity | Lymphatic system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
lymphatic system
Diagram of the lymphatic system.
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
Lymphatic System
Lymphatic System
Image by NIH
Lymph Node of Head and Neck
3D visualization reconstructed from scanned human data of male revealing lymphatic structures (lacrimal glands, tonsils, salivary glands, thymus, subclavian veins axillary nodes, stomach, cisterna chyli). The lymphatic system works in concert with the immune system. It can be described as an extensive network of vessels that shuttle molecular waste-filled fluid (lymph) through purifiying centers called lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymphatic, circulatory and nervous systems
The systems of the human body consist of: circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune/lymphatic, integumentary, muscular, reproductive, skeletal, urinary. This image depicts the circulatory, endocrine, immune/lymphatic, nervous
Image by TheVisualMD
Babies Sitting Showing Respiratory Lymphatic Circulatory and Skeletal Systems
One of the most obvious ways that we notice the overall immune health of a baby is through the presence or absence of respiratory infections. Respiratory illness is the leading cause of hospitalization among young children. Lymph nodes and vessels are a direct component of the immune system. Lymph nodes are encapsulated bundles of lymph tissue found throughout the body especially in the neck, axillae, groin, and thoracic regions. Lymph tissue aids the immune system by collecting and breaking down toxins and other waste products of the body. Lymph vessels transport lymph, a clear fluid derived from intercellular spaces around the body, eventually back into the blood. An infant's circulatory system will face an olympian job over the course of the individual's lifetime; the heart will beat 2.5 billion times and pump millions of gallons of blood through the body's vast network of arteries and veins. An infant's heart doubles in size the first year of life. Nutrition plays a key role in the development and maintenance of a healthy circulatory system by providing building blocks such as iron needed for red blood cell production.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymphatic System
Lymphatic Trunks and Ducts System
Image by OpenStax College
Babies Sitting Showing Respiratory Lymphatic Circulatory and Skeletal Systems
One of the most obvious ways that we notice the overall immune health of a baby is through the presence or absence of respiratory infections. Respiratory illness is the leading cause of hospitalization among young children. Lymph nodes and vessels are a direct component of the immune system. Lymph nodes are encapsulated bundles of lymph tissue found throughout the body especially in the neck, axillae, groin, and thoracic regions. Lymph tissue aids the immune system by collecting and breaking down toxins and other waste products of the body. Lymph vessels transport lymph, a clear fluid derived from intercellular spaces around the body, eventually back into the blood. An infant's circulatory system will face an olympian job over the course of the individual's lifetime; the heart will beat 2.5 billion times and pump millions of gallons of blood through the body's vast network of arteries and veins. An infant's heart doubles in size the first year of life. Nutrition plays a key role in the development and maintenance of a healthy circulatory system by providing building blocks such as iron, needed for red blood cell production.
Image by TheVisualMD
In Defense of You: Your Immune System
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymph Node and Lymph interstitial fluid
Lymph Node and Vasculature: The image shows a human lymph node and its vasculature (blood vessels). Lymph nodes are encapsulated bundles of lymph tissue found throughout the body, especially in the neck, armpit, groin, lung, and aortic areas. These aggregations of lymph tissue aid the immunological system by collecting and breaking down toxins and other waste products of the body.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymph Node with Vasculature
Computer generated illustration of a human lymph node and its vasculature. Lymph nodes are encapsulated bundles of lymph tissue found throughout the body especially in the neck, axillae, groin, lung and aortic areas. These aggregations of lymph tissue aid the immunological system by collecting and breaking down toxins and other waste products of the body.
Image by TheVisualMD
Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases
Normally, an individual's immune system learns to identify and ignore all of the distinctive little structures found on that individual's own cells. Sometimes, however, it will make a mistake and identify its own body as foreign. If that happens, the immune system produces antibodies that attempt to destroy the body's own cells in the same way it would try to destroy a foreign invader.
Lymph Node Biopsy : When breast cancer spreads beyond the primary tumor site, it usually spreads first to the sentinel lymph node or nodes, the first lymph nodes to receive drainage from a cancer-containing area of the breast. From there, breast cancer generally spreads to the axillary lymph nodes under the arm. So an important part of the breast cancer staging process is to determine whether the cancer has spread from the primary tumor to the sentinel lymph node, and from there into the axillary lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy : When breast cancer spreads beyond the primary tumor site, it usually spreads first to the sentinel lymph node or nodes, the first lymph nodes to receive drainage from a cancer-containing area of the breast. From there, breast cancer generally spreads to the axillary lymph nodes under the arm. So an important part of the breast cancer staging process is to determine whether the cancer has spread from the primary tumor to the sentinel lymph node, and from there into the axillary lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy : When breast cancer spreads beyond the primary tumor site, it usually spreads first to the sentinel lymph node or nodes, the first lymph nodes to receive drainage from a cancer-containing area of the breast. From there, breast cancer generally spreads to the axillary lymph nodes under the arm. So an important part of the breast cancer staging process is to determine whether the cancer has spread from the primary tumor to the sentinel lymph node, and from there into the axillary lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
This is a picture of the first radio-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy using real-time imaging by means of a portable gamma camera (Sentinella) in a patient with colon cancer
The lobes and ducts of the breast, and nearby lymph nodes (above) are areas that cancer can attack. The temporary inconvenience of a mammogram can save you from troublesome and costly treatment and surgery by catching breast cancer early, when it is easiest to treat.
Image by NIH
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Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast surgeon Dr. Nora Jaskowiak of The University of Chicago Medical Center explains how far mastectomies and other breast surgeries have come and the impact on the patient's life.
Image by TheVisualMD
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Mastectomy (Simple)
Title Mastectomy (Simple) Description Treatment for breast cancer - removal of breast and a sample of underarm lymph nodes.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
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Mastectomy
Total (simple) Mastectomy Description Total (simple) mastectomy; drawing shows removal of the breast and lymph nodes. The dotted line shows where the entire breast is removed. Some lymph nodes under the arm may also be removed.
Image by National Cancer Institute
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Radical Mastectomy
Mastectomy (Radical) Description Halsted radical mastectomy. Removal of the entire breast and chest muscles, as well as lymph nodes in underarm area for the treatment of breast cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Front view of the breast
Diagram showing the front view of the breast.
Image by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Side view of the breast
Diagram showing the side view of the breast.
Image by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Breast and adjacent lymph nodes
Illustration of Breast and Adjacent Lymph Nodes Description: The female breast along with lymph nodes and vessels. An inset shows a close-up view of the breast with the following parts labeled: lobules, lobe, ducts, nipple, areola, and fat.
Image by National Cancer Institute, Don Bliss (Illustrator)
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Breast and Adjacent Lymph Nodes
The female breast (nipple, areola, ducts, lobes, lobules, and fatty tissue) and adjacent lymph nodes and lymph vessels (no labels appear in the illustration).
Image by National Cancer Institute (NCI) / Don Bliss (Illustrator)
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Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Aggressive Breast Cancers
Most breast cancers begin in the lobules or ducts of the breast, which produce breast milk and carry it to the nipples after pregnancy. Invasive cancers spread outside of the lobules and ducts and penetrate into the surrounding breast tissue. From there, cancer cells may travel to lymph nodes in the armpit area. In stage IV breast cancer, cancer cells have spread into other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones. HER2-positive breast cancer is aggressive and is likely to spread quickly. It is also resistant to hormone therapy. However, treatment with the drugs trastuzumab and/or lapatinib may help women who test positive for HER2.
Image by TheVisualMD
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Metastatic Breast Cancer in Pleural Fluid
Image by Ed Uthman/Flickr
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Diagram showing the network of lymph nodes in and around the breast.
Diagram showing the network of lymph nodes in and around the breast.
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
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Breast lobes and ducts
Diagram showing the lobes and ducts of a breast.
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
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Breast
Breast and Adjacent Lymph Nodes Description The female breast along with lymph nodes and vessels. An inset shows a close-up view of the breast with the following parts labeled: lobules, lobe, ducts, nipple, areola, and fat.
Image by National Cancer Institute
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Breast Anatomy
Breast Anatomy; observe lobes, lobules, ducts, areola, nipple, fat, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Don Bliss (Illustrator)
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External and Internal Anatomy of Breast
The breast is made up of a variety of tissues and structures, including fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, ligaments, and nerves. The mammary gland is embedded in the breast's fatty tissue and contains 15-20 lobes, each of which is subdivided into smaller lobules. The breast milk that is produced drains from the lobes into the nipple via the lactiferous ducts.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lymph Nodes
Lymph Nodes
Lymph Nodes
Lymph Nodes
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Breast Lymph Nodes
Lymph vessels form a network in each breast, draining into lymph nodes in the underarm and along the breast bone. Cancer cells may break away from the main tumor and spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of the Breast
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. The first of three panels shows a radioactive substance and/or blue dye injected near the tumor; the middle panel shows that the injected material is followed visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity to find the sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material); the third panel shows the removal of the tumor and the sentinel nodes to check for cancer cells.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the breast. A radioactive substance and/or blue dye is injected near the tumor (first panel). The injected material is detected visually and/or with a probe that detects radioactivity (middle panel). The sentinel nodes (the first lymph nodes to take up the material) are removed and checked for cancer cells (last panel).
Also called: CXR, Chest X Ray, Chest Radiograph, Chest Radiography, Chest Film
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the structures in and around the chest. The test can help diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity.
Chest X-Ray Test
Also called: CXR, Chest X Ray, Chest Radiograph, Chest Radiography, Chest Film
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the structures in and around the chest. The test can help diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
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Your result is Normal.
X rays are electromagnetic waves. They use ionizing radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. A chest x ray takes pictures of the inside of your chest. The different tissues in your chest absorb different amounts of radiation. Your ribs and spine are bony and absorb radiation well. They normally appear light on a chest x ray. Your lungs, which are filled with air, normally appear dark.
Related conditions
A chest x ray is a painless, noninvasive test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. "Noninvasive" means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body. This test is done to find the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough (a cough that lasts a long time), and fever.
Chest x rays help doctors diagnose conditions such as pneumonia (nu-MO-ne-ah), heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, and sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis). Doctors also may use chest x rays to see how well treatments for certain conditions are working. Also, doctors often use chest x rays before surgery to look at the structures in the chest.
Chest x rays are the most common x-ray test used to diagnose health problems.
Doctors may recommend chest x rays for people who have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough (a cough that lasts a long time), or fever. The test can help find the cause of these symptoms.
Chest x rays look for conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, or sarcoidosis. The test also is used to check how well treatments for certain conditions are working.
Chest x rays also are used to evaluate people who test positive for tuberculosis (tu-ber-kyu-LO-sis) exposure on skin tests.
Sometimes, doctors recommend more chest x rays within hours, days, or months of an earlier chest x ray. This allows them to follow up on a condition.
People who are having certain types of surgery also may need chest x rays. Doctors often use the test before surgery to look at the structures inside the chest.
Depending on your doctor's request, you'll stand, sit, or lie for the chest x ray. The technician will help position you correctly. He or she may cover you with a heavy lead apron to protect certain parts of your body from the radiation.
The x-ray equipment usually consists of two parts. One part, a box-like machine, holds the x-ray film or a special plate that records the picture digitally. You'll sit or stand next to this machine. The second part is the x-ray tube, which is located about 6 feet away.
Before the pictures are taken, the technician will walk behind a wall or into the next room to turn on the x-ray machine. This helps reduce his or her exposure to the radiation.
Usually, two views of the chest are taken. The first is a view from the back. The second is a view from the side.
For a view from the back, you'll sit or stand so that your chest rests against the image plate. The x-ray tube will be behind you. For the side view, you'll turn to your side and raise your arms above your head.
If you need to lie down for the test, you'll lie on a table that contains the x-ray film or plate. The x-ray tube will be over the table.
You'll need to hold very still while the pictures are taken. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. These steps help prevent a blurry picture.
Although the test is painless, you may feel some discomfort from the coolness of the exam room and the x-ray plate. If you have arthritis or injuries to the chest wall, shoulders, or arms, you may feel discomfort holding a position during the test. The technician may be able to help you find a more comfortable position.
When the test is done, you'll need to wait while the technician checks the quality of the x-ray pictures. He or she needs to make sure that the pictures are good enough for the doctor to use.
You don't have to do anything special to prepare for a chest x ray. However, you may want to wear a shirt that's easy to take off. Before the test, you'll be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown.
You also may want to avoid wearing jewelry and other metal objects. You'll be asked to take off any jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects that might interfere with the x-ray picture. Let the x-ray technician (a person specially trained to do x-ray tests) know if you have any body piercings on your chest.
Let your doctor know if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. In general, women should avoid all x-ray tests during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, having an x ray is important to the health of the mother and fetus. If an x ray is needed, the technician will take extra steps to protect the fetus from radiation.
Chest x rays have few risks. The amount of radiation used in a chest x ray is very small. A lead apron may be used to protect certain parts of your body from the radiation.
The test gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you're naturally exposed to over 10 days.
Chest x rays show the structures in and around the chest. The test is used to look for and track conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity. For example, chest x-ray pictures may show signs of pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, or sarcoidosis.
Chest x rays do have limits. They only show conditions that change the size of tissues in the chest or how the tissues absorb radiation. Also, chest x rays create two-dimensional pictures. This means that denser structures, like bone or the heart, may hide some signs of disease. Very small areas of cancer and blood clots in the lungs usually don't show up on chest x rays.
For these reasons, your doctor may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-x-ray [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003804.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/chestrad [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/chest_x-ray/article_em.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (50)
Chest X-Ray Basics in 5 min
Video by Nick Smith/YouTube
How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang
Video by TED-Ed/YouTube
What causes Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and who is at Risk?
Chest X-ray of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI syndrome) compared to chest X-ray of the same subject afterwards.
Image by Altaf Gauhar Haji, Shekhar Sharma, DK Vijaykumar and Jerry Paul
Tuberculosis X-ray
An anteroposterior X-ray of a patient diagnosed with advanced bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis. This AP X-ray of the chest reveals the presence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrate (white triangles), and caving forma.
Image by CDC / Der Lange
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
This highly-magnified, 1981 transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image, reveals some of the morphologic traits exhibited by a human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virion is variable in shape, and size, with an average diameter between 120-300nm. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children, under 1-year of age.
Image by CDC/ E. L. Palmer
Q Fever Pneumonia X-ray
Combination of two x-rays (A) normal chest x-ray (B) x-ray documenting Q fever pneumonia.
Image by US Gov
Chest X Ray
A Lateral Chest X-Ray with the heart shadow outlined.
Image by US Army
Projectional radiography
Image relating focal spot size to geometric unsharpness in projectional radiography.
Image by Source images by Blausen Medical and LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz Villarreal) Derivative by Mikael Haggstrom
Chest Radiograph
Chest X-Ray : Specialized test, like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
X-ray of Healthy Lung
This image shows an x-ray of healthy lungs.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cancer screening
Cancer Imaging: X-Rays : Chest X-rays can be used to show the presence of tumors, as for lung cancer, but they may also indicate problems associated with cancer. An X-ray may produce images suggestive of fluid accumulation, masses, or enlarged lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lung Cancer
Chest X-ray (Cancer): This is an x-ray image of a chest. Both sides of the lungs are visible with a growth on the left side of the lung, which could possibly be lung cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute
Chest X Ray
Mediastinal structures on a chest radiograph.
Image by Mikael Haggstrom, from source images by ZooFari, Stillwaterising and Gray's Anatomy creators
CT Chest Scan of Pleura effusion
CT scan of chest showing loculated pleural effusion in left side. Some thickening of pleura is also noted. From my personal collection. Permission obtained from patient.
Image by Drriad
Chest X-ray (Cancer)
This is an x-ray image of a chest. Both sides of the lungs are visible with a growth on the left side of the lung, which could possibly be lung cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Unknown Photographer
This browser does not support the video element.
CT Scans (VIDEO)
This video shows how modern science of scanning can expose the health condition of the patient. The video starts with a patient undergoing CT scanning, an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Visible are the heart, lungs, and arteries of a patient.
Video by TheVisualMD
Chest X-Ray
Air-filled trachea and lungs Diaphragmatic domes Mediastinal structures Vascular markings
Arrows indicate costophrenic angles
Image by US Army
Gallstones
Gallstones as seen on plain x-ray.
Image by James Heilman, MD
Hemoptysis x-ray
Hemoptysis can be discovered with the help of radiology.
Image by Aidan Jones from Oxford, U.K.
X-ray of Lung with Pulmonary Edema
Within the lungs, the main airways (bronchi) branch off into smaller passageways, the smallest of which are called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs (alveoli). Pulmonary edema is a condition caused when excess fluid collects in these air sacs, making it difficult to breathe. Fluid in the lungs can be caused by pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and other conditions, but in most cases, the cause of pulmonary edema is heart problems (when a damaged heart can't pump enough blood and fluid leaks into the lungs).
Image by TheVisualMD
What To Expect During and After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Surgery
A normal chest X-ray after placement of an ICD, showing the ICD generator in the upper left chest and the ICD lead in the right ventricle of the heart. Note the 2 opaque coils along the ICD lead.
Image by Gregory Marcus, MD, MAS, FACC
This browser does not support the video element.
Chest X-ray: NCI B-roll [video]
NCI B-roll of a patient receiving a Chest X-ray. This video is silent.
Video by National Cancer Institute (NCI)
X-Ray of Aneurysm within Chest frontal view
Most aneurysms are detected in the course of an exam, such as a physical exam or a chest X-ray, being performed for a different reason.
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural Effusion: Tests
Pleural effusion Chest x-ray of a pleural effusion. The arrow A shows fluid layering in the right pleural cavity. The B arrow shows the normal width of the lung in the cavity. A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung.Pleural effusion Chest x-ray of a pleural effusion. The arrow A shows fluid layering in the right pleural cavity. The B arrow shows the normal width of the lung in the cavity. A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung.
Image by CDC InvictaHOG
Coccidioidomycosis
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed pulmonary changes indicative of pulmonary fibrosis in a case of coccidioidomycosis, caused by fungal organisms of the genus, Coccidioides. Because these changes also resemble those seen in other lung infections including tuberculosis, the findings uncovered with a chest x-ray needs to be coupled with serologic testing, as well as possible tissue biopsy. The degree of fibrotic changes, indicative of scarring found on x-ray, can be directly correlated to the severity of the fungal infection.
Image by CDC/ Dr. Lucille K. Georg
How Is Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Diagnosed?
Chest X-Ray: Acute respiratory distress syndrome on plain Xray
Image by James Heilman, MD
How Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases Diagnosed?
Early Asbestosis in a Retired Pipe Fitter : Chest X-ray in asbestosis shows plaques above diaphragm
Image by Clinical Cases
Aspergillosis
This was a photomicrograph of a lung tissue specimen, harvested from a caged, sulfur-crested cockatoo, that depicted some of the histopathologic changes that had been caused by the fungal organism, Aspergillus fumigatus, in a case of avian pulmonary aspergillosis. Here, you are able see how the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, revealed A. fumigatus ultrastructural morphology including conidial heads and mycelium.
Image by CDC/ Dr. William Kaplan
Pleural Effusion - Defined
A large left sided pleural effusion as seen on an upright chest X-ray
Image by Drriad
Pleural Effusion: Tests
A large left sided pleural effusion as seen on an upright chest X-ray
Image by James Heilman MD
Breast implants
Chest X-ray showing breast implants
Image by James Heilman
Living With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
No cure is available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) yet. Your symptoms may get worse over time. As your symptoms worsen, you may not be able to do many of the things that you did before you had IPF.
However, lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the disease.
If you're still smoking, the most important thing you can do is quit. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke. Ask family members and friends not to smoke in front of you or in your home, car, or workplace.
Image by Drriad
Symptoms and Spread of SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)
A chest x-ray showing increased opacity in both lungs, indicative of pneumonia, in a patient with SARS.
Image by CDC
Chilaiditi syndrome
Chest X-ray showing obvious Chilaiditi's sign, or presence of gas in the right colic angle between the liver and right hemidiaphragm (left side of the image).
Piper's Sign: In days gone by the lateral chest x-ray (demonstrating greater opacity in the aortic arch and descending aorta than the thoracic spine) gave an indication to the degree of calcified plaque burden a patient had. This has been known as Piper's sign and can often be seen in elderly persons particularly those with concomitant osteoporosis.
Image by U4077905
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Image by Stockholm
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Image by Lange123 at German Wikipedia
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenza
Chest X-ray of a 76 year old woman, who developed cough and labored breathing. First testing showed influenza B virus, and later a nasopharyngeal swab detected Haemophilus influenzae. The H influenzae presumably developed as an opportunistic infection secondary to the flu. This X-ray was taken 2 weeks after cultures and start of antibiotics, showing delayed pneumonic infiltrates that were only vaguely visible on initial (not shown) X-rays.
Image by Mikael Häggström
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenzae, lateral
Chest X-ray of a 76 year old woman, who developed cough and labored breathing. First testing showed influenza B virus, and later a nasopharyngeal swab detected Haemophilus influenzae. The H influenzae presumably developed as an opportunistic infection secondary to the flu. This X-ray was taken 2 weeks after cultures and start of antibiotics, showing delayed pneumonic infiltrates that were only vaguely visible on initial (not shown) X-rays.
Image by Mikael Häggström
Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
(a) Ringworm presents as a red ring on skin; (b) Trichophyton violaceum, shown in this bright field light micrograph, causes superficial mycoses on the scalp; (c) Histoplasma capsulatum is an ascomycete that infects airways and causes symptoms similar to influenza. (credit a: modification of work by Dr. Lucille K. Georg, CDC; credit b: modification of work by Dr. Lucille K. Georg, CDC; credit c: modification of work by M. Renz, CDC; scale-bar data from Matt Russell)
Image by CNX Openstax
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed radiologic evidence of pulmonary pneumocystosis in the form of bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This infection was due to the presence of an opportunistic fungal infection by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. (This image was provided by Jonathan W.M. Gold. M.D., Assoc. Dir. Special Microbiology Lab, Assist. Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assist. Prof. of Medicine, Cornell Univ. Med. College, New York.)
Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative agent of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), one of the most frequent and severe opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Pneumocystis organisms represent a large group of species of atypical fungi with universal distribution and pulmonary tropism, and each species has a strong specificity for a given mammalian host species.
Image by CDC/ Jonathan W.M. Gold, MD
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Image by Stillwaterising
Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child
PA view Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child. Released per permission of mother.
Image by Samir (talk)
Chest X Ray
Structures shown: Air-filled trachea and lungs Diaphragmatic domes Mediastinal structures Vascular markings. Arrows indicate costophrenic angles
Image by US Army
Thoracic diaphragm
X-ray of chest, showing top of diaphragm.
Image by OpenStax College
Chest X Ray
Roentgenogram or Medical X-ray image. May not be to scale.
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Stockholm
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Lange123 at German Wikipedia
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenza
Mikael Häggström
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenzae, lateral
Mikael Häggström
Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
CNX Openstax
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed radiologic evidence of pulmonary pneumocystosis in the form of bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This infection was due to the presence of an opportunistic fungal infection by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. (This image was provided by Jonathan W.M. Gold. M.D., Assoc. Dir. Special Microbiology Lab, Assist. Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assist. Prof. of Medicine, Cornell Univ. Med. College, New York.)
CDC/ Jonathan W.M. Gold, MD
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Stillwaterising
Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child
A chest computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the lungs and the inside of the chest. Computers combine the pictures to create a 3-D model showing the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest.
A chest computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the lungs and the inside of the chest. Computers combine the pictures to create a 3-D model showing the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A chest CT scan provides detailed pictures of the size, shape, and position of your lungs and other structures in your chest. A normal chest CT means your chest appears normal.
Related conditions
A chest CT scan is a more detailed type of chest X-ray. This painless imaging test takes many detailed pictures, called slices, of your lungs and the inside of your chest. Computers can combine these pictures to create three-dimensional (3D) models to help show the size, shape, and position of your lungs and structures in your chest.
This imaging test is often done to follow up on abnormal findings from earlier chest x rays. A chest CT scan also can help determine the cause of lung symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, or check to see if you have certain lung problems such as a tumor, excess fluid around the lungs that is known as pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, emphysema, tuberculosis, and pneumonia.
A chest CT scan provides detailed pictures of the size, shape, and position of your lungs and other structures in your chest. Doctors use this test to:
Follow up on abnormal results from standard chest x rays.
Find the cause of lung symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Find out whether you have a lung problem, such as a tumor, excess fluid around the lungs, or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). The test also is used to check for other conditions, such as tuberculosis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan if you have symptoms of lung problems, such as chest pain or trouble breathing. The scan can help find the cause of the symptoms.
A chest CT scan looks for problems such as tumors, excess fluid around the lungs, and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). The scan also checks for other conditions, such as tuberculosis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan if a standard chest x ray doesn't help diagnose the problem. The chest CT scan can:
Provide more detailed pictures of your lungs and other chest structures than a standard chest x ray
Find the exact location of a tumor or other problem
Show something that isn't visible on a chest x ray
Your chest CT scan may be done in a medical imaging facility or hospital. The CT scanner is a large, tunnel-like machine that has a table. You will lie still on the table and the table will slide into the scanner. Talk to your doctor if you are uncomfortable in tight or closed spaces to see if you need medicine to relax you during the test. You will hear soft buzzing or clicking sounds when you are inside the scanner and the scanner is taking pictures. You will be able to hear from and talk to the technician performing the test while you are inside the scanner. For some diagnoses, a contrast dye, often iodine-based, may be injected into a vein in your arm before the imaging test. This contrast dye highlights areas inside your chest and creates clearer pictures. You may feel some discomfort from the needle or, after the contrast dye is injected, you may feel warm briefly or have a temporary metallic taste in your mouth.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for the test. Sometimes the CT scan technician (a person specially trained to do CT scans) may ask you to wear a hospital gown. You also may want to avoid wearing jewelry and other metal objects. You'll be asked to take off any jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects that might interfere with the test. You may be asked to remove hearing aids and dentures as well. Let the technician know if you have any body piercing on your chest.
Tell your doctor whether you're pregnant or may be pregnant. If possible, you should avoid unnecessary radiation exposure during pregnancy. This is because of the concern that radiation may harm the fetus.
Chest CT scans have some risks. In rare instances, some people have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. There is a slight risk of cancer, particularly in growing children, because the test uses radiation. Although the amount of radiation from one test is usually less than the amount of radiation you are naturally exposed to over three years, patients should not receive more CT scans than the number that clinical guidelines recommend. Another risk is that chest CT scans may detect an incidental finding, which is something that doesn’t cause symptoms but now may require more tests after being found.
Talk to your doctor and the technicians performing the test about whether you are or could be pregnant. If the test is not urgent, they may have you wait to do the test until after your pregnancy. If it is urgent, the technicians will take extra steps to protect your baby during this test. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding because contrast dye can pass into your breast milk. If you must have contrast dye injected, you may want to pump and save enough breast milk for one to two days after your test or you may bottle-feed your baby for that time.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-ct-scan [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003788.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
Additional Materials (50)
Pleural empyema
CT chest showing large right sided hydro-pneumothorax from pleural empyema. Arrows A: air, B: fluid
Image by Amit Banga, GC Khilnani, SK Sharma1, AB Dey, Naveet Wig and Namrata Banga
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Diagnosed?
CT with the identification of underlying lung lesion: an apical bulla.
Image by Robertolyra
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Treated?
Right-sided pneumothorax (right side of image) on CT scan of the chest with chest tube in place.
Image by en:User:Clinical Cases
Chest Radiograph
Chest X-Ray : Specialized test, like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
What To Expect During a Coronary Calcium Scan
3D reconstruction of the thin multislice CT, covering human heart and lungs
Image by Semnic
Incision for Open-Chest Bypass Surgery
Open-chest bypass surgery requires the surgeon to make an incision down the center of the chest, along the breastbone. The rib cage is spread open to expose the heart.
Image by TheVisualMD
A child's guide to hospital: CT Chest
Video by The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne/YouTube
What is it like to have a CT scan? | Cancer Research UK
Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube
Coronary CT angiography of coronary arteries
Researchers have found that anti-inflammatory biologic therapies used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis can significantly reduce coronary inflammation in patients with the chronic skin condition. Scientists said the findings are particularly notable because of the use of a novel imaging biomarker, the perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI), that was able to measure the effect of the therapy in reducing the inflammation.
The study published online in JAMA Cardiology, has implications not just for people with psoriasis, but for those with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are known to increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes. The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
In this image: Coronary CT angiography image of the coronary arteries depicting the perivascular fat attenuation index before and after biologic therapy at one-year follow-up for patients with excellent response to biologic therapy.
Image by Oxford Academic Cardiovascular CT Core Lab and Lab of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases at NHLBI
Coronary CT
Coronary CT
Image by Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
CT of the blood vessels and heart
CT of the blood vessels and heart
Image by Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
Chest CT showing pulmonary sequestration
chest CT: diagnosis is pulmonary sequestration
Image by RadsWiki
Scimitar syndrome chest CT
Scimitar syndrome chest CT
Image by Matthew Cham, MD
/Wikimedia
Having a Cardiac CT Scan in Hospital
Video by Oxford AHSN/YouTube
What to Expect from a CT Exam with Contrast
Video by RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
Protocoling chest CTs
Video by Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
Low Dose CT Scans to Look for Lung Cancer
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Lung Cancer Screening (LCS)
Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
CT Scan of the Chest Explained Clearly - High Resolution CT Scan (HRCT)
Video by MedCram - Medical Lectures Explained CLEARLY/YouTube
What to Expect: CT Scan | Cedars-Sinai
Video by Cedars-Sinai/YouTube
How I Read a Chest CT
Video by Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
Introduction to Computed Tomographic imaging of the Chest
Video by Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging/YouTube
Lung Cancer Screening: The Life-saving CT Scan
Video by RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
How to prepare for a CT scan
Video by Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube
Using CT Scans to Screen for Lung Cancer
Video by UConn Health/YouTube
Cardiac CT scan
Video by UHP_NHS/YouTube
Real look at Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan from Start to Finish.
Video by Dumb Old Dad/YouTube
What is it like to get a CT Scan with Contrast?
Video by STRIDE Project/YouTube
Thorax with Healthy Heart
3D visualization based on scanned human data of a healthy heart in the thorax.
Image by TheVisualMD
Heart and Lungs
The heart and lungs are the primary contents of the thorax. They are interconnected with very large blood vessels. The heart sends oxygen-poor blood through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs, which oxygenate it and return it to the heart through the pulmonary veins. The pulmonary arteries arise from one large pulmonary trunk, and then begin branching exponentially once they enter the lungs in order to reach the functional respiratory units and pick up oxygen. The smallest pulmonary veins then take the oxygenated blood backwards through the lungs and empty into the back of the heart through four larger pulmonary veins. The oxygen-rich blood is then pumped by the heart out into the body through the aorta. Deoxygenated blood from body tissues returns to the heart through the superior and inferior vena cava and the cardiac cycle repeats continuously. The pulmonary veins and arteries are the only case where arteries carry deoxygenated blood and veins carry blood that has been oxygenated.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
3D visualization of an anterior view of the muscles involved in respiration. The primary job of the thorax is to promote movements necessary for breathing. Three muscles of the thorax assist in this function; the external intercostals, internal intercostals and diaphragm. The intercostals do the job of lifting the ribs up and pulling them outward, which in turn enlarges the lungs. As the lungs expand, the pressure inside them is reduced, and they suck in air. During extreme inhalation, the neck muscles also contract. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and pushes downward; during exhalation, it relaxes and is pushed up into a dome shape by the lower digestive organs, compressing the lungs. As pressure rises in the chest cavity, exhale occurs, pressure is equalized and the cycle restarts.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
3D visualization of an inferior view of the muscles involved in respiration. The primary job of the thorax is to promote movements necessary for breathing. Three muscles of the thorax assist in this function; the external intercostals, internal intercostals and diaphragm. The intercostals do the job of lifting the ribs up and pulling them outward, which in turn enlarges the lungs. As the lungs expand, the pressure inside them is reduced, and they suck in air. During extreme inhalation, the neck muscles also contract. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and pushes downward; during exhalation, it relaxes and is pushed up into a dome shape by the lower digestive organs, compressing the lungs. As pressure rises in the chest cavity, exhalation occurs, pressure is equalized and the cycle restarts.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with visible Lung and Heart
3D visualization of a posterior view of the lungs and heart reconstructed from scanned human data. De-oxygenated red blood cells are sent by the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery into the vessels of the lungs to be refilled with oxygen for their next circuit through the body. The blood is carried through the lung tissues, where it exchanges its carbon dioxide for oxygen in the alveoli. It is then returned through the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart and sent out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries away the deoxygenated blood, which returns fully oxygenated through the pulmonary vein.
Image by TheVisualMD
Female Thorax Showing Breast
Visualization based on scanned human data of an anterior view of female breast.
Image by TheVisualMD
Male Thorax with Visible Heart
Visualization of male heart. The nerve supply of the heart is emphasized specifically the cardiac plexus. The plexus which rest around the base of the heart, mainly in the epicardium, is formed by cardiac branches from the vagus nerves and the sympathetic trunks and ganglia.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with Heart and Lung
3D visualization of an anterior view of the lungs and heart reconstructed from scanned human data. The cone-shaped lungs occupy most of the thoracic cavity. Each lung is suspended in its own pleural cavity and connected to the mediastinum (which houses the heart) by its root which is made up of vascular and bronchial attachments. The anterior, lateral and posterior surfaces of the lung are in close contact with the ribs and form a continuously curving surface called the costal surface. De-oxygenated red blood cells are sent by the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery into the vessels of the lungs to be refilled with oxygen for their next circuit through the body. The blood is carried through the lung tissues, where it exchanges its carbon dioxide for oxygen in the alveoli. It is then returned through the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart and sent out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries away the deoxygenated blood, which returns fully oxygenated through the pulmonary vein.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cross Section of Human Thorax. Liver in bottom Left
Cross Section of Human Thorax. Liver in bottom Left
Image by TheVisualMD
Male Thorax Showing Trachea and Lung
3D visualization of an anterior view of the lungs and heart reconstructed from scanned human data. De-oxygenated red blood cells are sent by the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery into the vessels of the lungs to be refilled with oxygen for their next circuit through the body. The blood is carried through the lung tissues, where it exchanges its carbon dioxide for oxygen in the alveoli. It is then returned through the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart and sent out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries away the deoxygenated blood, which returns fully oxygenated through the pulmonary vein.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thoracic Aneurysm in the Aorta
Aneurysms that occur in the part of the aorta that is higher in the chest are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without any symptoms therefore making them difficult to detect
Image by TheVisualMD
Ventilation/perfusion scan
subFusion processing applied to a SPECT lung ventilation-perfusion scan.
Image by KieranMaher at English Wikibooks
Bronchi and Bronchiole of Lung
3D visualization of an inferior view of a transverse section of the thorax, highlighting the lungs, reconstructed from scanned human data. The trachea, cardiac impression, and transverse sections of the thoracic aorta and esophagus are clearly illustrated. The bronchial tree is also visible. When air is inhaled into the lungs, it flows through large tubes called bronchi, branches into smaller tubes known as bronchioles, and ends up in the thousands of small pouches that are the alveoli. This is where the oxygen is transferred from the air into the bloodstream. Each alveolar sac, or air sac, is surrounded by a bed of capillaries, and the walls between the lung and the capillary are extremely thin. The walls are so delicate, in fact, that the inhaled oxygen can seep from the air sacs to bind to the hemoglobin in the blood, while the carbon dioxide and other waste gasses leave the blood and diffuse into the lungs where they can be exhaled.
Image by TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
Angina
Image by TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
Chest Pain
Image by TheVisualMD
Chest Pain or Tightness
Image by TheVisualMD
CT scanner
A view of the CT scanner in the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. The hospital, still under construction, is a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure project, and is scheduled to open later this year.
Image by Official Navy Page from United States of America MC2 Todd Frantom/U.S. Marine Corps
Illustration of 3 X-ray images and a patient entering a CT scanner
Radiation can be dangerous, but it can also save lives. When you’re faced with a medical test that uses radiation, don’t let fear get in your way. Learn about the risks and benefits, and know what questions to ask.
Image by NIH News in Health
Drawing of a computerized tomography scanner with a health care professional looking on a computer screen as a patient lies inside the scanner
CT scan.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Advanced CT Scanning
An NIH Clinical Center study participant receives a scan in the Photon-Counting CT scanner.
Image by NIH Clinical Center
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
CAT Scan
A computer-assisted tomographic (CAT) scanner, with a Caucasian female technician working at a screen and behind a glass wall. A patient is on a table and being tested by the CAT scanner. The lighting is very subdued. This new technology revolutionized detection of brain tumors.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Virtual Colonoscopy Slice of CT Data
Virtual colonoscopy is a new imaging technology that uses computed tomography (CT) images to look for polyps and cancer in the colon. A computed tomography scanner takes cross-sectional images of the patient's colon, after the colon has been inflated with gas. A three-dimensional model is created from the CT slices and evaluated by a radiologist for abnormalities.
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural empyema
Amit Banga, GC Khilnani, SK Sharma1, AB Dey, Naveet Wig and Namrata Banga
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Diagnosed?
Robertolyra
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Treated?
en:User:Clinical Cases
Chest Radiograph
TheVisualMD
What To Expect During a Coronary Calcium Scan
Semnic
Incision for Open-Chest Bypass Surgery
TheVisualMD
4:22
A child's guide to hospital: CT Chest
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne/YouTube
1:50
What is it like to have a CT scan? | Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK/YouTube
Coronary CT angiography of coronary arteries
Oxford Academic Cardiovascular CT Core Lab and Lab of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases at NHLBI
Coronary CT
Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
CT of the blood vessels and heart
Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
Chest CT showing pulmonary sequestration
RadsWiki
Scimitar syndrome chest CT
Matthew Cham, MD
/Wikimedia
4:59
Having a Cardiac CT Scan in Hospital
Oxford AHSN/YouTube
2:33
What to Expect from a CT Exam with Contrast
RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
7:48
Protocoling chest CTs
Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
1:44
Low Dose CT Scans to Look for Lung Cancer
Lee Health/YouTube
8:27
Lung Cancer Screening (LCS)
Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
5:10
CT Scan of the Chest Explained Clearly - High Resolution CT Scan (HRCT)
MedCram - Medical Lectures Explained CLEARLY/YouTube
3:29
What to Expect: CT Scan | Cedars-Sinai
Cedars-Sinai/YouTube
17:21
How I Read a Chest CT
Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
8:46
Introduction to Computed Tomographic imaging of the Chest
Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging/YouTube
3:09
Lung Cancer Screening: The Life-saving CT Scan
RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
2:19
How to prepare for a CT scan
Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube
2:07
Using CT Scans to Screen for Lung Cancer
UConn Health/YouTube
5:04
Cardiac CT scan
UHP_NHS/YouTube
6:28
Real look at Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan from Start to Finish.
Dumb Old Dad/YouTube
2:52
What is it like to get a CT Scan with Contrast?
STRIDE Project/YouTube
Thorax with Healthy Heart
TheVisualMD
Heart and Lungs
TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
TheVisualMD
Thorax with visible Lung and Heart
TheVisualMD
Female Thorax Showing Breast
TheVisualMD
Male Thorax with Visible Heart
TheVisualMD
Thorax with Heart and Lung
TheVisualMD
Cross Section of Human Thorax. Liver in bottom Left
TheVisualMD
Male Thorax Showing Trachea and Lung
TheVisualMD
Thoracic Aneurysm in the Aorta
TheVisualMD
Ventilation/perfusion scan
KieranMaher at English Wikibooks
Bronchi and Bronchiole of Lung
TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
TheVisualMD
Chest Pain or Tightness
TheVisualMD
CT scanner
Official Navy Page from United States of America MC2 Todd Frantom/U.S. Marine Corps
Illustration of 3 X-ray images and a patient entering a CT scanner
NIH News in Health
Drawing of a computerized tomography scanner with a health care professional looking on a computer screen as a patient lies inside the scanner
NIDDK Image Library
Advanced CT Scanning
NIH Clinical Center
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
CAT Scan
National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Virtual Colonoscopy Slice of CT Data
TheVisualMD
Bone Scan
Bone Scan
Also called: Bone Scintigraphy, Skeletal Scintigraphy, Nuclear Bone Scan
A bone scan is a safe, effective, and painless way to make images of your bones using a compound containing a small amount of radioactivity injected into the bloodstream. The test helps find out if there is a tumor, infection, or other abnormality in your bone.
Bone Scan
Also called: Bone Scintigraphy, Skeletal Scintigraphy, Nuclear Bone Scan
A bone scan is a safe, effective, and painless way to make images of your bones using a compound containing a small amount of radioactivity injected into the bloodstream. The test helps find out if there is a tumor, infection, or other abnormality in your bone.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
In a normal bone scan, the radioactive tracer is evenly spread among the bones. No areas of too much or too little tracer are seen, or areas of "cold" or "hot" spots.
Related conditions
A bone scan is a procedure to check for abnormal areas or damage in the bones. A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the blood. The radioactive material collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner (a special camera that takes pictures of the inside of the body). A bone scan may be used to diagnose bone tumors or cancer that has spread to the bone. It may also be used to help diagnose fractures, bone infections, or other bone problems.
A bone scan helps your doctor find out if there is a tumor, infection, or other abnormality in your bone. This scan is a safe, effective, and painless way to make pictures of your bones.
Before the procedure, a small amount of the compound (radioisotope) will be given to you by vein. Once you are in the imaging room, you will rest on a firm table with your head flat. During the scan, you will lie on your back. While you are in this position, a sensitive machine (called a scanner) will record the radiation given off by the radioisotope. Lie very still. Many pictures will be taken as the scanner moves from your head to your toes. After the scan, more pictures will be taken of your head and hands. Stay very still while these pictures are being taken.
There is no special preparation for this scan. You may eat and drink whatever you like.
There are no side effects, and the scan is painless. The only sensation you will feel will be the injection of the radioisotope in your vein.
Because it uses radioactivity, this scan is not performed in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please inform your doctor immediately so that a decision can be made about this scan.
Also, please inform your doctor immediately if you are breastfeeding. Some scans can be performed in breastfeeding women if they are willing to stop breastfeeding for a while.
https://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/procdiag/bonescan.pdf [accessed on Mar 21, 2019]
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bone-scan [accessed on Mar 21, 2019]
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/bone_scan_92,p07663 [accessed on Apr 01, 2019]
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-scan/about/pac-20393136 [accessed on Apr 01, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (18)
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis in both feet as seen on bone scan
Image by James Heilman, MD
Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment is for people who have completed cancer treatment. Family and friends may also want to read this booklet.
Document by National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Treatment Planning
A cancer's stage (how far it has progressed) is a very important factor in deciding on treatment and estimating the patient's prognosis. After biopsy confirms the presence of cancer in the prostate, the cancer is staged, meaning that more tests are done to find out how far the cancer has spread in the prostate and if it has spread outside the gland to adjacent tissues or to other sites in the body.
Image by TheVisualMD
Preventing Bone Complications From Bone Metastases
Video by For Your Life/YouTube
Impact of Bone Metastases on the Skeleton
Video by Amgen/YouTube
The Biology of Metastatic Bone Disease
Video by Amgen/YouTube
Having a bone scan | Cancer Research UK
Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube
Introduction to Bone Biology
Video by Amgen/YouTube
bone-scan.swf
Video by Dr Amir Monir/YouTube
Bone Cancer
Video by Focus Medica/YouTube
Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction in Patient with Bone Cancer
Video by Hospital for Special Surgery/YouTube
Q&A: What is Ewing sarcoma? | Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers
Video by Texas Children’s Hospital/YouTube
Ewing's Sarcoma - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Ewing's Sarcoma, What Is It?
Video by EmpowHER/YouTube
Osteosarcoma - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Treatment for Osterosarcoma at Boston Children's Hospital
Video by Boston Children's Hospital/YouTube
Chondrosarcoma, What Is This?
Video by EmpowHER/YouTube
Is Your Baby a Boy or a Girl? (Pregnancy Health Guru)
Video by Healthguru/YouTube
Osteomyelitis
James Heilman, MD
Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Treatment Planning
TheVisualMD
4:17
Preventing Bone Complications From Bone Metastases
For Your Life/YouTube
2:21
Impact of Bone Metastases on the Skeleton
Amgen/YouTube
3:19
The Biology of Metastatic Bone Disease
Amgen/YouTube
1:35
Having a bone scan | Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK/YouTube
2:44
Introduction to Bone Biology
Amgen/YouTube
1:13
bone-scan.swf
Dr Amir Monir/YouTube
0:20
Bone Cancer
Focus Medica/YouTube
2:21
Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction in Patient with Bone Cancer
Hospital for Special Surgery/YouTube
5:41
Q&A: What is Ewing sarcoma? | Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers
Texas Children’s Hospital/YouTube
9:01
Ewing's Sarcoma - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
1:52
Ewing's Sarcoma, What Is It?
EmpowHER/YouTube
9:11
Osteosarcoma - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
28:11
Treatment for Osterosarcoma at Boston Children's Hospital
Boston Children's Hospital/YouTube
1:13
Chondrosarcoma, What Is This?
EmpowHER/YouTube
1:29
Is Your Baby a Boy or a Girl? (Pregnancy Health Guru)
Healthguru/YouTube
PET Scan
PET Scan
Also called: PET Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography, Positron Emission Testing
A PET scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (tracer) to check for changes in chemical activity in the body. This activity may be a sign of cancer, heart disease, or a brain disorder.
PET Scan
Also called: PET Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography, Positron Emission Testing
A PET scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance (tracer) to check for changes in chemical activity in the body. This activity may be a sign of cancer, heart disease, or a brain disorder.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
There are no problems detected in the size, shape, or function of the organ being scanned. There are no areas in which the tracer has abnormally collected.
Related conditions
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is an imaging test that looks at how well your tissues and organs are working. It also checks for signs of cancer. The scan uses a small amount of a radioactive substance called a tracer.
The tracer settles in areas of your body that have high levels of chemical activity. This activity can be a sign of cancer or other diseases. The tracer can also help measure blood flow, oxygen use, and changes in the metabolism of a particular tissue or organ. Metabolism is a chemical process that your body uses to change food into energy.
Chemical changes in the body can show up before symptoms of disease appear. So a PET scan can find signs of disease at an early stage, often before problems can be seen on other imaging tests.
A PET scan is most often used to:
Diagnose or monitor certain cancers, including breast, thyroid, and lung cancers
Find out how well your heart muscle is working
Check blood flow to the heart
Check for signs of certain brain disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and types of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a term used to describe a decline in mental function that is severe enough to affect daily living.
A PET scan is often done along with a CT scan, a type of x-ray that takes a series of pictures as it rotates around you.
You may need a PET scan to find out if you have cancer. If you've already been diagnosed with cancer, you may need this test to see if your cancer treatment is working.
A PET scan also helps diagnose and monitor heart and brain diseases. So you may need this test if you:
Have a family history of heart disease
Are being treated for heart disease. This test can show if the treatment is working.
Have symptoms of a brain disease, such as tremors, memory problems, and/or seizures
Before the scan, you will change into a hospital gown. You may be asked to empty your bladder. During the scan:
A health care provider will inject the radioactive tracer into your vein through an intravenous (IV) line. The tracer sends out a form of energy called gamma rays. The rays are picked up by the scanner to create images of the inside of your body.
You will need to wait for the tracer to be absorbed by your body. This takes 45 to 60 minutes.
You will then lie on a narrow, padded table, which will slide into a large, tunnel-shaped scanner.
The scanner will move slowly across your body to capture images. You will need to be very still as this happens.
The scanner will send images to a computer monitor for the provider to review.
Your provider will then remove the IV line.
You may be asked to not eat or drink for four to six hours before the test.
If you have diabetes and use insulin, you may need to change the timing of your regular dose. Your provider will give you specific instructions about adjusting your insulin.
Also, tell your provider if you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). Your provider may decide to give you a medicine before the test to help you relax.
There is very little exposure to radiation in a PET scan. Only a small amount of radioactive substance is used, and all of the radiation leaves the body within 2 to 10 hours.
While radiation exposure in a PET scan is safe for most adults, it can be harmful to an unborn baby. So be sure to tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Also, tell your provider if you are breastfeeding, because the tracer may contaminate your breast milk.
Allergic reactions to the tracer are rare and usually mild.
Depending on which part of the body was being scanned, your results may show:
Cancer. Cancer cells show up as bright spots on a PET scan.
Heart disease. The scan can show decreased blood flow to the heart.
A brain disorder. The scan may show changes in certain brain chemicals that can indicate disease.
If you also had a CT scan, your provider will review the results of the two scans to help make a diagnosis.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Your PET scan results will be looked at by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical conditions using imaging technologies. He or she will share the results with your health care provider.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10123-pet-scan [accessed on Jul 27, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007341.htm [accessed on Jul 27, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007342.htm [accessed on Jul 27, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007343.htm [accessed on Jul 27, 2021]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (23)
What is it Like to Have a PET Scan? | Cancer Research UK
Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube
PET Scan in 3 views
PET Scan in 3 views
PET Scan in 3 views
1
2
3
PET Scan in 3 views
PET Scan in 3 views
Interactive by TheVisualMD
PET/CT
CT
PET
1
2
3
PET/CT Scans of Colorectal Cancer 1) Pet/CT scan 2) CT Scan 3) Pet Scan
PET scans can often detect a tumor that can't be seen on CT scans or regular X-rays. Cancer tumors grow rapidly and so actively metabolize glucose. In a PET scan, the patient is injected with glucose containing a radioactive tracer. The PET scan image shows areas of the body that utilize the glucose. The brain, heart, and bladder all metabolize glucose and appear black in the image, along with any cancer tumors that are present.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
How Does a PET Scan Work?
Video by NIBIB gov/YouTube
UCSF Radiology: How does a PET scan help with cancer imaging?
Video by UCSF Imaging/YouTube
Your PET/CT scan at University College Hospital
Video by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube
How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang
Video by TED-Ed/YouTube
PET Scans and CAT Scans
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Having a PET-CT scan
Video by Design Science/YouTube
How does a PET scan work?
Video by Imperial College London/YouTube
Patient exercises
EKG monitoring
Inject radiotracer
Scanning with stress
Patient rests
Inject radiotracer again
1
2
3
4
5
6
Myocardial perfusion scan
Myocardial perfusion imaging is a test that uses a low dose of a radioactive agent to evaluate the blood flow and function of the heart. This scan is done in conjunction with a cardiac stress test a diagnostic test in which a person walks on a treadmill or pedals (a stationary bicycle) while hooked up to equipment that monitors the heart. The test monitors heart rate breathing blood pressure electrical activity (on an electrocardiogram) and the person's level of tiredness. It shows if the heart's blood supply is sufficient and if the heart rhythm is normal. A stress test can detect the following problems:
- Abnormal changes in heart rate or blood pressure
- Symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
- Abnormal changes in the heart's rhythm or electrical activity
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Testing for bowel cancer
Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube
MRI Animation
Video by Blausen Medical Corporate/YouTube
Carcinogenesis head and neck short version only animation
Video by Amsterdam UMC/YouTube
Head and Neck Cancer
Video by Robert Miller/YouTube
What are the Risk Factors and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Video by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/YouTube
Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer | Memorial Sloan Kettering
Video by Memorial Sloan Kettering/YouTube
Throat Cancer
Video by Michigan Medicine/YouTube
Rush Radiosurgery: Head and Neck Cancer Radiation
Video by Rush Radiosurgery/YouTube
Treating the head and neck - Radiotherapy and its physics (3/15)
Video by OpenLearn from The Open University/YouTube
Nutrition Video for Head & Neck Cancer
Video by Stanford Health Care/YouTube
Throat Cancer Largely Due to Smoking And Drinking, Studies Show
Video by VOA News/YouTube
What is nuclear medicine? An illustrated introduction
Video by navalorama/YouTube
3:13
What is it Like to Have a PET Scan? | Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK/YouTube
PET Scan in 3 views
TheVisualMD
PET/CT Scans of Colorectal Cancer 1) Pet/CT scan 2) CT Scan 3) Pet Scan
TheVisualMD
1:33
How Does a PET Scan Work?
NIBIB gov/YouTube
1:30
UCSF Radiology: How does a PET scan help with cancer imaging?
UCSF Imaging/YouTube
3:31
Your PET/CT scan at University College Hospital
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube
4:42
How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang
TED-Ed/YouTube
1:37
PET Scans and CAT Scans
Lee Health/YouTube
5:17
Having a PET-CT scan
Design Science/YouTube
4:25
How does a PET scan work?
Imperial College London/YouTube
Myocardial perfusion scan
TheVisualMD
1:37
Testing for bowel cancer
Cancer Research UK/YouTube
0:36
MRI Animation
Blausen Medical Corporate/YouTube
4:03
Carcinogenesis head and neck short version only animation
Amsterdam UMC/YouTube
7:27
Head and Neck Cancer
Robert Miller/YouTube
2:35
What are the Risk Factors and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers? | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/YouTube
18:04
Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer | Memorial Sloan Kettering
Memorial Sloan Kettering/YouTube
6:01
Throat Cancer
Michigan Medicine/YouTube
1:13
Rush Radiosurgery: Head and Neck Cancer Radiation
Rush Radiosurgery/YouTube
1:57
Treating the head and neck - Radiotherapy and its physics (3/15)
OpenLearn from The Open University/YouTube
4:25
Nutrition Video for Head & Neck Cancer
Stanford Health Care/YouTube
2:39
Throat Cancer Largely Due to Smoking And Drinking, Studies Show
VOA News/YouTube
3:02
What is nuclear medicine? An illustrated introduction
navalorama/YouTube
Stage Groups
Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy
1
2
3
Breast Cancer - Lymph Node Biopsy
Interactive by TheVisualMD
Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy
1
2
3
Breast Cancer - Lymph Node Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy : When breast cancer spreads beyond the primary tumor site, it usually spreads first to the sentinel lymph node or nodes, the first lymph nodes to receive drainage from a cancer-containing area of the breast. From there, breast cancer generally spreads to the axillary lymph nodes under the arm. So an important part of the breast cancer staging process is to determine whether the cancer has spread from the primary tumor to the sentinel lymph node, and from there into the axillary lymph nodes.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
How Is the Stage of Breast Cancer Determined?
In breast cancer, stage is based on the size and location of the primary tumor, the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, tumor grade, and whether certain biomarkers are present.
To plan the best treatment and understand your prognosis, it is important to know the breast cancer stage.
There are 3 types of breast cancer stage groups:
Clinical Prognostic Stage is used first to assign a stage for all patients based on health history, physical exam, imaging tests (if done), and biopsies. The Clinical Prognostic Stage is described by the TNM system, tumor grade, and biomarker status (ER, PR, HER2). In clinical staging, mammography or ultrasound is used to check the lymph nodes for signs of cancer.
Pathological Prognostic Stage is then used for patients who have surgery as their first treatment. The Pathological Prognostic Stage is based on all clinical information, biomarker status, and laboratory test results from breast tissue and lymph nodes removed during surgery.
Anatomic Stage is based on the size and the spread of cancer as described by the TNM system. The Anatomic Stage is used in parts of the world where biomarker testing is not available. It is not used in the United States.
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (4)
Breast Cancer 101: Our Oncologists Answer Questions On Breast Cancer
Video by Michigan Medicine/YouTube
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 2 Breast Cancer
Video by National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 3 Breast Cancer
Video by National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
What is breast cancer staging?
Video by National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
58:50
Breast Cancer 101: Our Oncologists Answer Questions On Breast Cancer
Michigan Medicine/YouTube
1:29
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 2 Breast Cancer
National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
2:27
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 3 Breast Cancer
National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
2:05
What is breast cancer staging?
National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
TNM System
T1 - the tumor is 2 cm across or less.
T2 - the tumor is more than 2 cm but no more than 5 cm across.
T3 - the tumor is bigger than 5 cm across.
Stage 3B breast cancer - Diagram 1 of 2
3D medical animation still showing metastatic or stage 4 Breast Cancer
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TNM Staging for Breast Cancer
Interactive by Cancer Research UK
T1 - the tumor is 2 cm across or less.
T2 - the tumor is more than 2 cm but no more than 5 cm across.
T3 - the tumor is bigger than 5 cm across.
Stage 3B breast cancer - Diagram 1 of 2
3D medical animation still showing metastatic or stage 4 Breast Cancer
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TNM Staging for Breast Cancer
The breast cancer TNM staging system is the most common way that doctors stage breast cancer. TNM stands for Tumor, Node, Metastasis. Your scans and tests give some information about the stage of your cancer. But your doctor might not be able to tell you the exact stage until you have surgery.
Interactive by Cancer Research UK
TNM Staging for Breast Cancer (TNM • Tumor, Node, Metastasis)
The TNM system is used to describe the size of the primary tumor and the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
For breast cancer, the TNM system describes the tumor as follows:
Tumor (T). The size and location of the tumor.
Tumor sizes are often measured in millimeters (mm) or centimeters. Common items that can be used to show tumor size in mm include: a sharp pencil point (1 mm), a new crayon point (2 mm), a pencil-top eraser (5 mm), a pea (10 mm), a peanut (20 mm), and a lime (50 mm).
TX: Primary tumor cannot be assessed.
T0: No sign of a primary tumor in the breast.
Tis: Carcinoma in situ. There are 2 types of breast carcinoma in situ:
Tis (DCIS): DCIS is a condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, DCIS may become invasive breast cancer that is able to spread to other tissues. At this time, there is no way to know which lesions can become invasive.
Tis (Paget disease): Paget disease of the nipple is a condition in which abnormal cells are found in the skin cells of the nipple and may spread to the areola. It is not staged according to the TNM system. If Paget disease AND an invasive breast cancer are present, the TNM system is used to stage the invasive breast cancer.
T1: The tumor is 20 millimeters or smaller. There are 4 subtypes of a T1 tumor depending on the size of the tumor:
T1mi: the tumor is 1 millimeter or smaller.
T1a: the tumor is larger than 1 millimeter but not larger than 5 millimeters.
T1b: the tumor is larger than 5 millimeters but not larger than 10 millimeters.
T1c: the tumor is larger than 10 millimeters but not larger than 20 millimeters.
T2: The tumor is larger than 20 millimeters but not larger than 50 millimeters.
T3: The tumor is larger than 50 millimeters.
T4: The tumor is described as one of the following:
T4a: the tumor has grown into the chest wall.
T4b: the tumor has grown into the skin—an ulcer has formed on the surface of the skin on the breast, small tumor nodules have formed in the same breast as the primary tumor, and/or there is swelling of the skin on the breast.
T4c: the tumor has grown into the chest wall and the skin.
T4d: inflammatory breast cancer—one-third or more of the skin on the breast is red and swollen (called peau d’orange).
Lymph Node (N). The size and location of lymph nodes where cancer has spread.
When the lymph nodes are removed by surgery and studied under a microscope by a pathologist, pathologic staging is used to describe the lymph nodes. The pathologic staging of lymph nodes is described below.
NX: The lymph nodes cannot be assessed.
N0: No sign of cancer in the lymph nodes, or tiny clusters of cancer cells not larger than 0.2 millimeters in the lymph nodes.
N1: Cancer is described as one of the following:
N1mi: cancer has spread to the axillary (armpit area) lymph nodes and is larger than 0.2 millimeters but not larger than 2 millimeters.
N1a: cancer has spread to 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes and the cancer in at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 millimeters.
N1b: cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone on the same side of the body as the primary tumor, and the cancer is larger than 0.2 millimeters and is found by sentinel lymph node biopsy. Cancer is not found in the axillary lymph nodes.
N1c: cancer has spread to 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes and the cancer in at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 millimeters. Cancer is also found by sentinel lymph node biopsy in the lymph nodes near the breastbone on the same side of the body as the primary tumor.
N2: Cancer is described as one of the following:
N2a: cancer has spread to 4 to 9 axillary lymph nodes and the cancer in at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 millimeters.
N2b: cancer has spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone and the cancer is found by imaging tests. Cancer is not found in the axillary lymph nodes by sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection.
N3: Cancer is described as one of the following:
N3a: cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes and the cancer in at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 millimeters, or cancer has spread to lymph nodes below the collarbone.
N3b: cancer has spread to 1 to 9 axillary lymph nodes and the cancer in at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 millimeters. Cancer has also spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone and the cancer is found by imaging tests;
or
cancer has spread to 4 to 9 axillary lymph nodes and cancer in at least one of the lymph nodes is larger than 2 millimeters. Cancer has also spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone on the same side of the body as the primary tumor, and the cancer is larger than 0.2 millimeters and is found by sentinel lymph node biopsy.
N3c: cancer has spread to lymph nodes above the collarbone on the same side of the body as the primary tumor.
When the lymph nodes are checked using mammography or ultrasound, it is called clinical staging. The clinical staging of lymph nodes is not described here.
Metastasis (M). The spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
M0: There is no sign that cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
M1: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. If cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, the cancer in the lymph nodes is larger than 0.2 millimeters. The cancer is called metastatic breast cancer.
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (4)
Breast Cancer Staging
Video by Mount Sinai Health System/YouTube
What are the grades and stages of breast cancer?
Video by You and Breast Cancer/YouTube
Early Stage Breast Cancer – An Introduction
Video by Cancer.Net/YouTube
What Is the Difference Between Staging and Grading in Breast Cancer?
Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
1:17
Breast Cancer Staging
Mount Sinai Health System/YouTube
2:16
What are the grades and stages of breast cancer?
You and Breast Cancer/YouTube
7:32
Early Stage Breast Cancer – An Introduction
Cancer.Net/YouTube
2:30
What Is the Difference Between Staging and Grading in Breast Cancer?
Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
Grading System
Grading Cancer
Image by TheVisualMD
Grading Cancer
Tumor grading is a system in which cancer cells are classified according to how abnormal their appearance is under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Histologic grade (differentiation) refers to how much the tumor cells resemble normal cells of the same tissue type. Nuclear grade refers to the size and shape of the nucleus in tumor cells and the percentage of tumor cells that are dividing. Grade 1 cells are well differentiated; that is, they resemble normal cells. Grade 1 cells tend to grow and multiply slowly. Grade 2 cells are less well differentiated. Grades 3 and 4 tumors are poorly differentiated or undifferentiated (are highly abnormal in appearance) and tend to be more aggressive and spread quickly.
Image by TheVisualMD
Grading System for Breast Cancer
The grading system is used to describe how quickly a breast tumor is likely to grow and spread.
The grading system describes a tumor based on how abnormal the cancer cells and tissue look under a microscope and how quickly the cancer cells are likely to grow and spread. Low-grade cancer cells look more like normal cells and tend to grow and spread more slowly than high-grade cancer cells. To describe how abnormal the cancer cells and tissue are, the pathologist will assess the following three features:
How much of the tumor tissue has normal breast ducts.
The size and shape of the nuclei in the tumor cells.
How many dividing cells are present, which is a measure of how fast the tumor cells are growing and dividing.
For each feature, the pathologist assigns a score of 1 to 3; a score of “1” means the cells and tumor tissue look the most like normal cells and tissue, and a score of “3” means the cells and tissue look the most abnormal. The scores for each feature are added together to get a total score between 3 and 9.
Three grades are possible:
Total score of 3 to 5: G1 (Low grade or well differentiated).
Total score of 6 to 7: G2 (Intermediate grade or moderately differentiated).
Total score of 8 to 9: G3 (High grade or poorly differentiated).
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (4)
What Is the Difference Between Staging and Grading in Breast Cancer?
Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
What My Tumor Grade Means for Breast Cancer?
Video by Yerbba – Breast Cancer/YouTube
High-Grade DCIS, What Is It? -Dr. Jay Harness
Video by Breast Cancer Answers®/YouTube
What is stage and grade in breast cancer? With Dr Tasha
Video by Dr Tasha/YouTube
2:30
What Is the Difference Between Staging and Grading in Breast Cancer?
Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
6:52
What My Tumor Grade Means for Breast Cancer?
Yerbba – Breast Cancer/YouTube
5:40
High-Grade DCIS, What Is It? -Dr. Jay Harness
Breast Cancer Answers®/YouTube
6:42
What is stage and grade in breast cancer? With Dr Tasha
Dr Tasha/YouTube
Hormone Status
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Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
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Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Image by TheVisualMD
Breast Cancer Hormone Receptor Status
Biomarker testing is used to find out whether breast cancer cells have certain receptors.
Healthy breast cells, and some breast cancer cells, have receptors (biomarkers) that attach to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are needed for healthy cells, and some breast cancer cells, to grow and divide. To check for these biomarkers, samples of tissue containing breast cancer cells are removed during a biopsy or surgery. The samples are tested in a laboratory to see whether the breast cancer cells have estrogen or progesterone receptors.
Another type of receptor (biomarker) that is found on the surface of all breast cancer cells is called HER2. HER2 receptors are needed for the breast cancer cells to grow and divide.
For breast cancer, biomarker testing includes the following:
Estrogen receptor (ER). If the breast cancer cells have estrogen receptors, the cancer cells are called ER positive (ER+). If the breast cancer cells do not have estrogen receptors, the cancer cells are called ER negative (ER-).
Progesterone receptor (PR). If the breast cancer cells have progesterone receptors, the cancer cells are called PR positive (PR+). If the breast cancer cells do not have progesterone receptors, the cancer cells are called PR negative (PR-).
Human epidermal growth factor type 2 receptor (HER2/neu or HER2). If the breast cancer cells have larger than normal amounts of HER2 receptors on their surface, the cancer cells are called HER2 positive (HER2+). If the breast cancer cells have a normal amount of HER2 on their surface, the cancer cells are called HER2 negative (HER2-). HER2+ breast cancer is more likely to grow and divide faster than HER2- breast cancer.
Sometimes the breast cancer cells will be described as triple negative or triple positive.
Triple negative. If the breast cancer cells do not have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or a larger than normal amount of HER2 receptors, the cancer cells are called triple negative.
Triple positive. If the breast cancer cells do have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and a larger than normal amount of HER2 receptors, the cancer cells are called triple positive.
It is important to know the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 receptor status to choose the best treatment. There are drugs that can stop the receptors from attaching to the hormones estrogen and progesterone and stop the cancer from growing. Other drugs may be used to block the HER2 receptors on the surface of the breast cancer cells and stop the cancer from growing.
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (4)
Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Video by Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
Breast Cancer Sub-types - Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Video by Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
What Are Tumor Markers for Breast Cancer?
Video by Breast Cancer Answers®/YouTube
HER2-Positive
Video by Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
2:57
Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
3:40
Breast Cancer Sub-types - Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
2:42
What Are Tumor Markers for Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer Answers®/YouTube
3:39
HER2-Positive
Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
ER/PR Testing
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Tests
Also called: Breast Cancer Hormone Receptor Status, ER/PR Testing, ER/PR IHC Testing, ERPR, Hormone Receptor (HR) Status
Receptors are proteins that attach to certain substances. Estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor tests look for receptors that attach to the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone in breast cancer cells. Breast cancers that have these receptors often respond well to some types of treatments.
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Tests
Also called: Breast Cancer Hormone Receptor Status, ER/PR Testing, ER/PR IHC Testing, ERPR, Hormone Receptor (HR) Status
Receptors are proteins that attach to certain substances. Estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor tests look for receptors that attach to the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone in breast cancer cells. Breast cancers that have these receptors often respond well to some types of treatments.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is ER/PR-negative.
An ER/PR-negative (also called a hormone receptor-negative or HR-) result means that your breast tumor does not have receptors for either estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR). This means that you are not likely to benefit from treatment with hormonal therapy. About 25% of breast cancers have no hormone receptors.
Related conditions
Estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) tests are used to help guide breast cancer treatment. Receptors are proteins that attach to certain substances. ER/PR tests look for receptors that attach to the hormones estrogen and progesterone in a sample of breast cancer tissue. Estrogen and progesterone play key roles in a woman's sexual development and reproductive functions. Men also have these hormones, but in much smaller amounts.
About 70 percent of all breast cancers in women have receptors that attach to estrogen and/or progesterone. About 80 percent to 90 percent of breast cancers in men have these receptors. Breast cancers with estrogen and/or progesterone receptors include the following types:
ER-positive (ER+): Cancers that have estrogen receptors (ER)
PR-positive (PR+): Cancers that have progesterone receptors (PR)
Hormone receptor-positive (HR+): Cancers that have one or both types of these receptors.
Breast cancers without ER or PR receptors are known as HR-negative (HR-).
ER/PR tests will show whether there are ER and/or PR receptors on your breast cancer cells. Test results are frequently referred to as the hormone receptor status. If your hormone receptor status shows you have one or both of these receptors on your cancer cells, you may respond well to certain types of treatments.
ER/PR tests are used to guide treatment for breast cancer patients.
You may need this test if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer. Knowing your hormone receptor status will help your health care provider decide how to treat it. If you have ER-positive, PR-positive, or HR-positive cancer, drugs that lower hormone levels or stop the hormones from fueling cancer growth can be very effective. If you have HR-negative cancer, these types of drugs won't work for you.
Your provider will need to take a sample of breast tissue in a procedure called a breast biopsy. There are three main types of breast biopsies:
Fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a very thin needle to remove a sample of breast cells or fluid
Core needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle to remove a sample
Surgical biopsy, which removes a sample in a minor, outpatient procedure
Fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsies usually include the following steps:
You will lay on your side or sit on an exam table.
A health care provider will clean the biopsy site and inject it with an anesthetic, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, the provider will insert either a fine aspiration needle or core biopsy needle into the biopsy site and remove a sample of tissue or fluid.
You may feel a little pressure when the sample is withdrawn.
Pressure will be applied to the biopsy site until the bleeding stops.
Your provider will apply a sterile bandage at the biopsy site.
In a surgical biopsy, a surgeon will make a small cut in your skin to remove all or part of a breast lump. A surgical biopsy is sometimes done if the lump can't be reached with a needle biopsy. Surgical biopsies usually include the following steps.
You will lie on an operating table. An IV (intravenous line) may be placed in your arm or hand.
You may be given medicine, called a sedative, to help you relax.
You will be given local or general anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
For local anesthesia, a health care provider will inject the biopsy site with medicine to numb the area.
For general anesthesia, a specialist called an anesthesiologist will give you medicine so you will be unconscious during the procedure.
Once the biopsy area is numb or you are unconscious, the surgeon will make a small cut into the breast and remove part or all of a lump. Some tissue around the lump may also be removed.
The cut in your skin will be closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
You won't need any special preparations if you are getting local anesthesia (numbing of the biopsy site). If you are getting general anesthesia, you will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before surgery. Your surgeon will give you more specific instructions. Also, if you are getting a sedative or general anesthesia, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home. You may be groggy and confused after you wake up from the procedure.
You may have a little bruising or bleeding at the biopsy site. Sometimes the site gets infected. If that happens, you will be treated with antibiotics. A surgical biopsy may cause some additional pain and discomfort. Your health care provider may recommend or prescribe medicine to help you feel better.
The results will show whether you have a hormone receptor-positive or negative type of cancer. If your hormone receptor status is positive, the test also shows the levels of estrogen and/or progesterone receptors. The higher the levels of receptors, the more effective certain medicines may be in treating your cancer. If your hormone receptor status is negative, these medicines will not be effective.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
HER2 testing is often done at the same time as ER/PR testing. That is because some hormone receptor cancers are also HER2-positive. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of all breast cells. Treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer can be very effective but are not effective for HER2-negative cancers.
Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Breast Cancer Treatment - NCI. National Cancer Institute. Dec 6, 2023 [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Test | Testing.com. Dec 3, 2021 [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Breast Cancer Hormone Receptor Status [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Immunohistochemical Test for Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Additional Materials (5)
Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Video by Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
Introduction to Cancer Biology (Part 1): Abnormal Signal Transduction
Video by Mechanisms in Medicine/YouTube
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Estrogen Receptor Assay
A culture dish containing frozen breast tissue. A technician's hands and test instruments are visible as well. This is used for analysis in estrogen receptor assay test. Results suggest whether removal of ovaries or use of antiestrogen drugs are likely to be effective.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Using FFNP to “Light Up” Tumors
A new imaging test takes advantage of the fact that progesterone receptor levels in estrogen receptor-positive tumors go up in response to estrogen if the estrogen receptor is active. The test involves a PET scan that uses a radioactive tracer called FFNP, which binds specifically to progesterone receptors. When more progesterone receptors are present, the amount of FFNP taken up by tumor cells is greater and the signal from FFNP on a PET scan is stronger.
Image by National Cancer Institute
Circulating Progesterone May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Research found that postmenopausal women with higher circulating progesterone levels experience a 16% increased risk of breast cancer. Additionally, associated risk from progesterone seemed to be modified by estradiol concentrations. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between progesterone and estradiol in breast cancer etiology and to validate these findings in diverse populations.
Image by National Cancer Institute (NCI)
2:57
Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
Dr. Susan Love Foundation/YouTube
7:47
Introduction to Cancer Biology (Part 1): Abnormal Signal Transduction
Mechanisms in Medicine/YouTube
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Estrogen Receptor Assay
National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Using FFNP to “Light Up” Tumors
National Cancer Institute
Circulating Progesterone May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
HER2 Testing
HER2 Tumor Marker Testing
Also called: Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, HER2, HER2 Gene, ERBB2 Amplification, HER2 Overexpression, HER2/neu Tests
HER2 genes there are and how much HER2 protein is made in a sample of tissue. These tests can help guide treatment choices for certain cancers of the breast, stomach, and esophagus.
HER2 Tumor Marker Testing
Also called: Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, HER2, HER2 Gene, ERBB2 Amplification, HER2 Overexpression, HER2/neu Tests
HER2 genes there are and how much HER2 protein is made in a sample of tissue. These tests can help guide treatment choices for certain cancers of the breast, stomach, and esophagus.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
{score}
2
3
Your result is HER2-negative.
0 (zero) or 1+ means that your cancer cells don't have too much HER2 protein. Your cancer is HER2-negative and will not respond to HER2-targeted therapy. Your provider will discuss other treatment options.
Related conditions
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is HER2-negative.
HER2 genes in your cancer cells. HER2-targeted therapy won't help your cancer, so your provider will discuss other treatment options.
Related conditions
Tumor marker tests look for substances, called tumor markers, that are often made by cancer cells or normal cells in response to cancer. The test results can provide important information, such as how fast a cancer may grow and which treatments are most likely to work.
HER2 is a type of tumor marker. It stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It's also called HER2/neu. HER2 is a protein involved in normal cell growth. Some types of cancer cells make larger than normal amounts of HER2, including certain cancers of the breast, stomach, and esophagus.
Cancers with large amounts of HER2 protein tend to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Certain medicines, called HER2 targeted therapy, can block or slow HER2 proteins and help control these cancers. But these medicines won't help cancers that don't have high levels of HER2 proteins. So, HER2 tumor marker testing is necessary to find out if targeted therapy will be helpful.
A HER2 tumor marker test usually uses a sample of tumor tissue to measure either:
The amount of HER2 protein on the surface of cancer cells
How many copies of the HER2 gene are inside the cancer cells
Genes are parts of DNA in your cells that you inherit from your parents. HER2 genes have instructions for making the HER2 protein. Normally, you have two HER2 genes in each cell, one from each parent. But certain cancers have extra copies of the HER2 gene, which leads to too much HER2 protein on the cancer cells.
A HER2 tumor marker test looks to see whether certain cancers are:
HER2 positive, which means the cancer has high levels of the HER2 protein or HER2 genes. These cancers are likely to respond to HER2 targeted therapy.
HER2 negative, which means your cancer cells have little to no HER2 protein or a normal number of HER2 genes. This type of cancer may grow more slowly than HER2-positive cancer. It is also less likely to come back after treatment or spread to other parts of the body. HER2 targeted therapy will not work for this type of cancer, but other treatment options may help.
There are different HER2 tumor marker tests for checking HER2 proteins and HER2 genes. Usually, a protein test is done first because those tests are faster and less expense. Blood tests to measure HER2 usually aren't recommended. That's because it's not clear how blood test results can plan cancer treatment.
HER2 tumor marker tests are mostly used to find out whether certain cancers are HER2 positive or negative. This information shows how fast cancer may grow and whether medicine to target HER2 proteins may be helpful.
HER2 tumor marker testing is mainly used for cancers that start in the:
Breast (most common)
Stomach
Esophagus
Ovaries
Bladder
Pancreas
You may need HER2 tumor marker testing to help guide cancer treatment decisions if you have:
Breast cancer that has:
Just been diagnosed and is growing in the normal breast tissue around the tumor. This is called "invasive" cancer.
Spread beyond your breast and is growing in other parts of your body. This is called metastatic cancer. The cancer growing outside of your breast should be tested to see if it's HER2 positive, even if your breast tumor was already tested.
Come back after treatment, usually after a period of time when no cancer could be found in your body. This is called recurrent cancer. The new tumor should be tested to see if it's HER2 positive even if your first tumor was tested. That's because cancer cells can change over time.
Stomach or esophageal cancer that:
Can't be removed using surgery.
Has come back after treatment.
Cancer of the pancreas, bladder, ovaries, or certain other cancers that may have high levels of HER2 which may be treated with medicines that target HER2.
Most HER2 testing uses a sample of tumor tissue. The tissue will be removed during a procedure called a biopsy. There are many ways to do a biopsy. The type of biopsy you have depends on where the tumor is located. In general, a biopsy may be done using:
A hollow needle inserted through your skin. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, may be used to guide the needle:
A fine needle aspiration biopsy uses a very thin needle to remove a sample of cells and/or fluid.
A core needle biopsy uses a larger needle to remove a sample.
Surgery. A surgeon may remove a sample of the tumor (incisional biopsy) or the entire tumor (excisional biopsy).
Endoscopy. This procedure uses a scope to look inside your body. Special tools may be used with a scope to remove a tissue sample. An endoscopy may be used for a biopsy of a tumor in your stomach or esophagus.
Preparations for your test depend on how your tissue sample will be taken. Ask your health care provider how to prepare for your test.
If you are getting medicine to relax or sleep during the procedure, you will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before surgery. You will also need to have someone take you home, because you may be sleepy after the procedure.
Risks depend on how your tissue sample is taken. In general, if you are having a biopsy, you may have a little bruising or bleeding where the tissue was removed. Ask your provider to explain any risks from the test you're having.
The results of HER2 tumor marker tests are reported differently, depending on the type of test you had. The main HER2 tumor marker tests are:
IHC (immunohistochemistry staining assay) to measure the amount of HER2 protein on cancer cells
FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) to check for extra copies of HER2 genes in cancer cells
IHC test results for cancer of the breast, stomach, or esophagus show the amount of HER2 protein as a score:
0 (zero) or 1+ means that your cancer cells don't have too much HER2 protein. Your cancer is HER2 negative and will not respond to HER2 targeted therapy. Your provider will discuss other treatment options.
2+ means that the amount of HER2 protein is borderline. This may be reported as "equivocal." It means the test result is not clear. You may need to have a different type of HER2 tumor marker test. The test may be done on the same tissue sample, or you may need to provide a new sample.
3+ means that your cancer cells have too much HER2 protein. Your cancer is HER2 positive and is likely to respond to HER2 targeted therapy.
FISH results for cancer of the breast, stomach, or esophagus will be reported as either:
HER2 negative, which means that you don't have too many HER2 genes in your cancer cells. HER2 targeted therapy won't help your cancer, so your provider will discuss other treatment options.
HER2 positive, which means that your cancer cells have too many HER2 genes. HER2 targeted therapy is likely to help your cancer.
Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean for your treatment.
HER2 Tumor Marker Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Breast Cancer Treatment - NCI. National Cancer Institute. Dec 6, 2023 [accessed on Dec 22, 2023]
Additional Materials (6)
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Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Breast imaging and early detection of breast cancer have evolved immensely over the last 25 years, leading to increased survival rates and improved quality of life for millions of women with breast cancer. This video takes you through the process of screening and diagnosis using various imaging modalities, including mammogram, ultrasound and MRI.
Video by TheVisualMD
DNA Methylation and Cancer
Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
How to Recognize Breast Cancer Symptoms
Video by Howcast/YouTube
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Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Aggressive Breast Cancers
Most breast cancers begin in the lobules or ducts of the breast, which produce breast milk and carry it to the nipples after pregnancy. Invasive cancers spread outside of the lobules and ducts and penetrate into the surrounding breast tissue. From there, cancer cells may travel to lymph nodes in the armpit area. In stage IV breast cancer, cancer cells have spread into other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones. HER2-positive breast cancer is aggressive and is likely to spread quickly. It is also resistant to hormone therapy. However, treatment with the drugs trastuzumab and/or lapatinib may help women who test positive for HER2.
Image by TheVisualMD
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Her2/neu Receptors on Cell Surface
HER2 is a cell surface receptor that responds to chemicals called growth factors. Normally, there are few HER2 receptors on the surface of the cell. But when a mutated gene causes the overproduction of HER2, it can spur the growth of tumors. The test called immunohistochemistry (IHC) measures the amount of HER2 protein present and can help with determining the patient's prognosis.
Image by TheVisualMD
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Breast Cancer and HER2
In about one out of five breast cancers, a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overproduced due to a gene mutation. High levels of HER2 on cell surfaces spur the growth of cancerous tumors and also make the cancer less responsive to hormone therapy. This type of breast cancer usually occurs in younger women.
Image by TheVisualMD
4:47
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
TheVisualMD
5:17
DNA Methylation and Cancer
Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
3:01
How to Recognize Breast Cancer Symptoms
Howcast/YouTube
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Aggressive Breast Cancers
TheVisualMD
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Her2/neu Receptors on Cell Surface
TheVisualMD
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2): Breast Cancer and HER2
TheVisualMD
Staging Examples
Stage 1 - the cancer is small and only in the breast tissue or it might be found in lymph nodes close to the breast.
Stage 1 breast cancer has 2 groups: 1A and 1B.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
Stage 3B breast cancer - Diagram 1 of 2
Stage 3B - the tumor has spread to the skin of the breast or the chest wall. It has made the skin break down (an ulcer) or caused swelling.
Stage 3C - the tumor can be any size, or there may be no tumor. But there is cancer in the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer and it has spread to the chest wall.
Stage 3C - the tumor can be any size, or there may be no tumor. But there is cancer in the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer and it has spread to the chest wall.
Stage 3C - the tumor can be any size, or there may be no tumor. But there is cancer in the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer and it has spread to the chest wall.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer
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Number Staging System for Breast Cancer
Interactive by Cancer Research UK
Stage 1 - the cancer is small and only in the breast tissue or it might be found in lymph nodes close to the breast.
Stage 1 breast cancer has 2 groups: 1A and 1B.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 2 - the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both.
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread from the breast to lymph nodes close to the breast or to the skin of the breast or to the chest wall.
Stage 3B breast cancer - Diagram 1 of 2
Stage 3B - the tumor has spread to the skin of the breast or the chest wall. It has made the skin break down (an ulcer) or caused swelling.
Stage 3C - the tumor can be any size, or there may be no tumor. But there is cancer in the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer and it has spread to the chest wall.
Stage 3C - the tumor can be any size, or there may be no tumor. But there is cancer in the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer and it has spread to the chest wall.
Stage 3C - the tumor can be any size, or there may be no tumor. But there is cancer in the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer and it has spread to the chest wall.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer
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Number Staging System for Breast Cancer
The number staging system for breast cancer divides breast cancers into 4 stages, from 1 to 4. Stage 1 is the earliest stage and stage 4 means the cancer has spread to another part of the body.
Interactive by Cancer Research UK
Breast Cancer Staging Examples
The TNM system, the grading system, and biomarker status are combined to find out the breast cancer stage.
Here are 3 examples that combine the TNM system, the grading system, and the biomarker status to find out the Pathological Prognostic breast cancer stage for a woman whose first treatment was surgery:
If the tumor size is 30 millimeters (T2), has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0), has not spread to distant parts of the body (M0), and is:
Grade 1
HER2+
ER-
PR-
The cancer is stage IIA.
If the tumor size is 53 millimeters (T3), has spread to 4 to 9 axillary lymph nodes (N2), has not spread to other parts of the body (M0), and is:
Grade 2
HER2+
ER+
PR-
The tumor is stage IIIA.
If the tumor size is 65 millimeters (T3), has spread to 3 axillary lymph nodes (N1a), has spread to the lungs (M1), and is:
Grade 1
HER2+
ER-
PR-
The cancer is stage IV (metastatic breast cancer).
Talk to your doctor to find out what your breast cancer stage is and how it is used to plan the best treatment for you.
After surgery, your doctor will receive a pathology report that describes the size and location of the primary tumor, the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes, tumor grade, and whether certain biomarkers are present. The pathology report and other test results are used to determine your breast cancer stage.
You are likely to have many questions. Ask your doctor to explain how staging is used to decide the best options to treat your cancer and whether there are clinical trials that might be right for you.
Source: PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. PDQ Breast Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
Additional Materials (7)
T1 - the tumor is 2 cm across or less.
T2 - the tumor is more than 2 cm but no more than 5 cm across.
T3 - the tumor is bigger than 5 cm across.
Stage 3B breast cancer - Diagram 1 of 2
3D medical animation still showing metastatic or stage 4 Breast Cancer
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TNM Staging for Breast Cancer
The breast cancer TNM staging system is the most common way that doctors stage breast cancer. TNM stands for Tumor, Node, Metastasis. Your scans and tests give some information about the stage of your cancer. But your doctor might not be able to tell you the exact stage until you have surgery.
Interactive by Cancer Research UK
Cancer Stages
Tumor grading is a system in which cancer cells are classified according to how abnormal their appearance is under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Histologic grade (differentiation) refers to how much the tumor cells resemble normal cells of the same tissue type. Nuclear grade refers to the size and shape of the nucleus in tumor cells and the percentage of tumor cells that are dividing. Grade 1 cells are well differentiated; that is, they resemble normal cells. Grade 1 cells tend to grow and multiply slowly. Grade 2 cells are less well differentiated. Grades 3 and 4 tumors are poorly differentiated or undifferentiated (are highly abnormal in appearance) and tend to be more aggressive and spread quickly.
Image by TheVisualMD
Stage 0
Stage 1
Stage 2
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Stage 4
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Breast Cancer Summary Staging
After breast cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread within the breast or to other parts of the body.
Interactive by TheVisualMD
DCIS (Stage 0) Breast Cancer and the Oncotype DX DCIS Score
Video by Oncotype IQ/YouTube
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 2 Breast Cancer
Video by National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
What is stage and grade in breast cancer? With Dr Tasha
Video by Dr Tasha/YouTube
Diagram showing stage 4 breast cancer CRUK 228
Diagram showing stage 4 breast cancer.
Image by Cancer Research UK/Wikimedia
TNM Staging for Breast Cancer
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Stages
TheVisualMD
Breast Cancer Summary Staging
TheVisualMD
2:53
DCIS (Stage 0) Breast Cancer and the Oncotype DX DCIS Score
Oncotype IQ/YouTube
1:29
Beyond The Shock - Chapter 5 - Types & Stages - Stage 2 Breast Cancer
National Breast Cancer Foundation/YouTube
6:42
What is stage and grade in breast cancer? With Dr Tasha
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Breast Cancer Staging
There are five stages of breast cancer, starting at zero and going up to four. There are several variables within some stages based on the size and location of the primary tumor, the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, tumor grade, and whether certain biomarkers are present. Learn more about the staging of breast cancer.