> Factors that Affect Treatment Decisions and Prognosis
If a biopsy finds cancer, more tests are done on the lymph nodes or tumor that was removed. These tests assess prognostic factors, which help determine your chances for recovery. They also identify predictive factors that help guide the kind of treatment that will be most effective for the type of breast cancer you have. Some of the tests for these factors can be done on the small amount of tissue removed during a needle biopsy, while others require a larger amount of tissue removed during surgery.
Which factors are the best and most reliable at determining prognosis and predicting response to treatment is constantly under study. As the research develops, certain factors fall in and out of favor. Only after a great deal of study has shown a factor to be accurate and reliable does it become a part of standard practice. Figure 4.2 lists the factors that are commonly assessed, plus a sample of those under study and those currently in disfavor.
Three of the most important factors—lymph node status, tumor size and presence/absence of metastases—combine to classify the cancer into a particular stage. There are four general stages of invasive breast cancer (stages I-IV), with lower stages being associated with a better chance for recovery. In situ carcinomas are considered stage 0 and have the best chance for recovery. For more information on staging, click here.
Updated 07/28/08
