Expert Diagnosis of Hormone Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer in Northern California
Some breast tumors have receptors, or proteins, that promote the growth of the cancer. Breast cancer that does not have these receptors is known as hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. Your doctor may refer to it has triple-negative breast cancer because the tumor’s growth isn’t influenced by estrogen, progesterone, or HER2.
Experienced oncologists at Dignity Health North State use biopsy results to identify the hormone receptor status of your cancer to make an informed treatment decision. If you’re living with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer in Northern California, Find a Doctor near you to learn how our experienced cancer specialists will approach your treatment.
Symptoms & Risk Factors
The presence of hormone receptors does not cause unique symptoms. Symptoms of breast cancer, regardless of hormone receptor status, generally include a breast lump or mass, nipple discharge, and swelling of the breasts.
Risk factors, too, are the same for all types of breast cancer.
Being a women is the greatest risk factor, but other factors that influence your chances include:
- Dense breast tissue
- Early menstruation (before 12)
- Late menopause
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of breast cancer or chest radiation therapy
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol
- Caucasian race
- Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
Treatments for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer at Dignity Health North State
Because hormones aren’t responsible for the cancer’s growth, triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormone therapy. Even without hormone therapy, there are other effective choices for treating your breast cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all proven to kill and stop the spread of cancer. Targeted drug therapy is also useful, but only if your cancer has the HER2 protein.
Your doctor will always explain his or her treatment suggestion and consider your preferences when choosing a treatment option. Schedule an appointment with an oncologist to receive specialty care for breast cancer at Dignity Health North State.