Stage 2 means the breast cancer is growing, but it is still contained in the breast or growth has only extended to the nearby lymph nodes. Chemotherapy That means the cancer needs hormones to grow. Sign up for emails about breast cancer news, virtual events, and more. In general, stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which: Still, if the cancer tumor measures between 2 and 5 cm and: it will likely be classified as stage IB. After a mastectomy, you might choose breast reconstruction surgery. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Breastcancer.org is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Treatment usually includes surgery (either a lumpectomy or mastectomy) and adjuvant chemotherapy is often recommended. In general, stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which: no tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer (larger than 2 millimeters [mm]) is found in 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes under the arm) or in the lymph nodes near the breast … Doctors classify them in a … In either case, the surgeon will likely remove some of the lymph nodes. T2 N1 M0 2. Mammogram. Therefore, this patient population is more heterogeneous than the populations with stages 0 and I disease. T0 N1 M0 2. If th… It’s often used in combination with chemotherapy. Women who haven't reached menopause may consider having their ovaries removed to stop them from making hormones that help cancer grow. Stage 2B is considered to be locally advanced breast cancer. Many new therapies -- new drugs, new treatments, and new combinations -- are in clinical trials now. The pretreatment evaluation and type of treatment offered to patients with stage II breast cancer … Treatment for stage 2 aggressive breast cancer is usually Breast Conserving Surgery also known as a Partial Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy and Drug Therapy. Stage 2 breast cancer is invasive, tumors may be larger than in stage 1, and the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes. Knowing the HR and HER2 status of your stage 2 breast cancer can help your oncologist … Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a stage 0 breast tumor. Surgery. Yes the potential still exists that I might get breast cancer again or some other type of cancer because I am BRCA 2, I chose what I thought was the best option. Read the studies that say neoadjuvant chemotherapy can shrink tumors in stage 2 or stage 3 breast cancer so that lumpectomy becomes a treatment option. For larger tumors, you might need a mastectomy, in which the breast is removed. There are also other estrogen receptor blockers: fulvestrant (Faslodex) and toremifene (Fareston), for metastatic breast cancer. Doctors consider stage 2A to be early stage breast cancer. Join our online community to connect, share, and find peer support. If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer … In stage 2 breast cancer, cancer cells have not spread beyond the breast or nearby lymph nodes. Your doctor will check both of your breasts and lymph nodes in your armpit, feeling for any lumps or other abnormalities. Stage IIB breast cancer includes patients with T2, N1, and T3, N0 disease. 1. In stage 1B, cancer is found in lymph nodes and there’s no tumor in the breast or the tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters. Your healthcare team will suggest treatments based on your needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan. For larger tumors, you might need a mastectomy, in which the breast is removed. When this happens, the breast cancer is called metastatic or stage IV. T1 N1 M0 3. Radiation for metastatic breast cancer. T3 N0 M0 You may take pills or liquids, but often the drugs are put right into your veins. Breastcancer.org’s EIN is 23-3082851. What is stage II (stage 2) breast cancer? Stage … They also can take a drug, such  as goserelin (Zoladex) or leuprolide (Lupron), to stop their ovaries from releasing hormones. M describes whether the cancer has spread to a different part of the body In the TNM staging system, stage 2A breast cancer is the same as: 1. It is fairly common for people to be diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I am almost two years out … Similarly, stage IV cancer has a drastically lower survivability rate, and it does not improve without treatment. Learn more about our commitment to your privacy. For smaller tumors, you might get a breast conserving surgery, or lumpectomy, in which only the tumor and some of the tissue around it are removed. Chemotherapy after … All rights reserved. In about 25% of women with breast cancer, an excess of a protein known as HER2 makes the cancer spread quickly. Suvivability According to the U.S. government's National Cancer institute, the survival rate over 5 years for those with localized cancer, that is cancer … For smaller tumors, you might get a breast conserving surgery, or lumpectomy, in which only the tumor and some of the tissue around it are removed. But that’s just part of the picture. Similarly, if the cancer tumor measures between 2 and 5 cm and: it will likely be classified as stage IA. Medicines can prevent the tumor from getting the hormones. Subscribe to our podcast for conversations on the issues that matter most. Still, it does indicate a higher risk of breast cancer. Breastcancer.org 120 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 201 Ardmore, PA 19003 Surgeryis standard. After a mastectomy, you might choose breast reconstruction surgery.