Treatment for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Learn about the latest HER2-positive breast cancer treatments, including targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and innovative drug options.
Breast cancer is among the most common life-altering diseases affecting women worldwide. At Vejthani International Hospital’s Breast Center, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and care for women facing this serious condition.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and become tumors. These cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues and, in advanced cases, spread or metastasize to other areas of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. When this happens, the condition is classified as metastatic breast cancer.
While breast cancer can occur in both men and women, it’s far more common in women. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of breast cancer can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not a single disease; it can be classified in several ways, depending on its pathology, stage, and receptor status. The main categories include:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
A non-invasive form of breast cancer in which abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts. While not yet invasive, DCIS can progress to invasive cancer if untreated.
Invasive Breast Cancer
This type occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue. It can be further classified as:
- By histology (microscopic features):
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, accounting for about 80% of invasive cases.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): The second most common type, starting in the lobules and often more difficult to detect on imaging or physical exams.
- By stage:
- Early Breast Cancer (EBC): Cancer that is still confined to the breast or nearby lymph nodes and has not spread to distant organs.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC): Also called Stage IV breast cancer, it has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. While not curable, treatments can help control symptoms and extend survival.
- By receptor status (Immunohistochemistry – IHC):
- Hormone Receptor (HR)-Positive Breast Cancer: Cancer cells grow in response to estrogen or progesterone.
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Driven by overexpression of the HER2 protein, which can be targeted with specific therapies.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. This aggressive subtype is more challenging to treat and is more common in younger women.
Symptoms to Watch For
Recognizing the early signs of breast cancer can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. While not all symptoms indicate cancer, any persistent or unusual changes in the breast should prompt medical evaluation. Here are the most common symptoms of breast cancer:
A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm: Most breast cancers begin as a lump that may feel hard, painless, and fixed in place. However, some lumps can be tender or movable.
Changes in breast shape or size: Swelling, shrinkage, or an uneven appearance may indicate abnormal tissue growth.
Skin changes: Dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaliness on the breast or nipple area should not be ignored.
Nipple discharge: Spontaneous discharge, particularly if bloody or occurring without squeezing, can be a warning sign.
Inverted nipple or nipple changes: Retraction, itching, or rash around the nipple area may suggest deeper changes in tissue.
Persistent breast pain: While breast cancer is usually painless, ongoing pain in one area that doesn’t go away should be evaluated.
Swelling in the armpit or collarbone area: This could indicate that the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can also occur with non-cancerous conditions, such as cysts or infections. However, if you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a specialist for a thorough evaluation and diagnostic testing.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools at Vejthani International Hospital Breast Center
At Vejthani International Hospital, we believe in the importance of early and precise detection, which sets the foundation for personalized treatment planning. Our Breast Center provides accurate and timely diagnoses using state-of-the-art imaging tools and lab technology, including:
Digital mammography: For high-resolution imaging of breast tissues
Breast ultrasound: Especially useful for younger patients with dense breast tissue
Breast MRI: A detailed scan often used for high-risk individuals or when mammography results are inconclusive
Biopsy procedures: To confirm the presence and type of malignancy, including fine-needle aspiration, core needle, or surgical biopsy
Treatment Options at Vejthani International Hospital
Treating breast cancer often requires a multimodal approach. Vejthani International Hospital offers major therapies under one roof, including surgical and medical treatments. Our multidisciplinary medical team of medical oncologists, breast surgeons, and radiologists customizes every treatment plan to address your specific clinical needs.
Surgery:
- Lumpectomy: Removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue
- Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, depending on tumor size and stage
Systemic or medical treatments:
- Chemotherapy: To destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors before (neoadjuvant) and/or after surgery (adjuvant)
- Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel certain types of breast cancer
- Targeted therapy: Such as HER2 inhibitors for HER2-positive breast cancer and CDK4/6 inhibitors for HR-positive breast cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Uses in TNBC in both early and metastatic disease
Radiation Therapy:
To destroy cancer cells, often after surgery to reduce recurrence risk or to treat advanced or recurrent breast cancer.
Get Expert Care at Vejthani International Hospital Breast Center
If you’ve noticed symptoms such as lumps or changes in your breast or have a family history of breast cancer, don’t wait. Vejthani International Hospital Breast Center offers comprehensive screening, cutting-edge treatment, and professional support with state-of-the-art facilities. Our Breast Center is equipped with internationally accredited medical technology and guided by a patient-centered philosophy. Schedule a consultation today.
For more information, please contact
Life Cancer Center, Vejthani International Hospital
Call: (+66)2-734-0000
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