Clinical Pathology of Breast Cancer: Staging and Biomarkers

Abstract

Based on recent statistics, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life. Breast cancer is classified into a staging system that ranges from zero to four, which is determined by several factors. In the staging system, the clinical pathology taken and tested by the healthcare professional plays a key role in determining the gravity of the patient's case. Biomarkers provide insight into the carcinogenic cells in the person's body, such as the Estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor (HER2), and the progesterone receptor which are discussed in this paper. Each of these biomarkers communicates a specific attribute about the tumor cells and signifies the severity and the extent of the breast cancer. Based on this research, it was proven that there is not a direct correlation, but a slight correlation between the biomarkers found in the cells with the relative stage the patient has. Studies have shown a link between cells testing HER2 positive with high-grade tumors, unfavorable prognosis, lymph node collusion, high mortality rates, and higher rates of recurrence in patients which signify a stage three or four cancer. Studies also suggested that patients who test ER positive, PR negative, and HER2 negative are more likely to have early-stage invasive breast cancer, which alludes to stage one or two clinically. A definite conclusion was not able to be obtained as more research must be conducted, however, general trends were discovered between stages and biomarkers.