Grade 3 Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis

What is Grade 3 Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer staging helps many doctors to understand the nature of tumour, in simpler terms how aggressive and speed of cancer spread in the body.

• Grade 1: In these grades, the cancer cells look more normal and start to grow slowly.
• Grade 2: These are intermediate grades, these cancer cells are moderately abnormal.
• Grade 3: These types of cancer cells might appear very abnormal and start to divide rapidly, making the cancer more aggressive in nature.

According to many experts, Grade 3 tumors are often more likely to spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, which is why timely cancer diagnosis and treatments are essential.

Breast Self- Examination: Step-by-step guide

Performing regular self examinations helps to detect changes happening in the body. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perform breast self examination.

These may include:

• Visual check and examination: First of all, stand in front of the mirror with arms at your sides, always look for changes in breast shapes, skin texture, or nipple appearance. 
• Arms raised: Now, raise your arms and check for any kinds of dimpling, swelling or unusual contours appearing in the breasts. 
• Hands on hips: Now, press your hands on your hips to flex chest muscles and observe any types of asymmetry happening in the breasts. 
• Palpation lying down: Use the pads of your fingers to gently feel each breast, covering the entire area from the collarbone to the ribcage and from the armpit to the cleavage.
• Palpation in the shower: Wet skin makes it easier to feel the lumps in the breasts. Moving fingers in circular motions and checking for any irregularities.

If you or any loved ones of yours starts to notice any kinds of unusual lumps, constant pain in breasts, or nipple discharge, then consult a healthcare professional without any delay.

Diagnosis

To confirm the Grade 3 breast cancer, many doctors use several types of screening tests, including:

• Mammogram or Ultrasound: Performing these tests helps to detect abnormal areas in the breast.  
• Biopsy: Taking a small tissue sample to examine under a microscope and determine the grade in suspected breast cancer patients. 
• MRI or CT scans: Performing these tests helps to check the extent of the disease and possible spread. 
• Hormone receptor and HER2 testing: Performing these tests helps to guide your breast cancer treatment.

Performing these cancer screening tests helps the oncologists to create a personalised treatment plan.

Treatment options for Grade 3 breast cancer

The treatment options for Grade 3 breast cancer is usually more aggressive than for lower grades because of its fast-growing nature compared to grade 2 cancer. 

Common treatment approaches including:

Surgery

• Lumpectomy: Performing these surgeries helps to remove the tumors while preserving the breast tissue.
• Mastectomy: Performing these surgeries helps to remove the entire breast if the tumor is large or aggressive. 

Chemotherapy

These treatments are often used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to destroy remaining cancer cells. Performing these treatments might cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and lowered immunity which often requires careful treatment management.

Radiation therapy

Performing these treatments helps to destroy cancer cells left behind after surgery and reduces the risk of cancer recurrence.

Hormone therapy

These treatments are used if the tumor is estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive types of cancer.

Targeted therapy

For tumors that are HER2 - positive, often targeted drugs like trastuzumab can be used in patients.

A multidisciplinary treatment approach is often recommended, involving many oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and supportive cancer care specialists.

Prognosis of Grade 3 Breast Cancer

According to many studies and research, Grade 3 breast cancer are considered to be more aggressive, but prognosis depends on multiple factors, including:

• Size of the tumor
• Lymph node involvement
• Hormone receptor and HER2 status
• Individual health condition and age of the patient

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the treatment outcomes. These cancer survival rates might vary, but with modern cancer therapies, many cancer patients would start to respond to treatment well and lead a healthy life.

Consult Today

Grade 3 breast cancer is a high-grade, aggressive form of breast cancer, but with early diagnosis and timely treatment, outcomes can be slightly improved. Being aware of the changes in the breast, performing regular physical self-examinations, and seeking an immediate medical evaluation are essential steps in ensuring effective cancer care.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare cancer center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!