A routine mammogram showed a large mass in the right breast of Mrs. H., age 42. A biopsy confirmed the
presence of a malignant tumor. Mrs. H. was concerned because her mother and an aunt had breast cancer. No
metastases were detected at this time. A mastectomy was performed and a number of axillary and mediastinal
lymph nodes were removed. Pathologic examination showed several nodes from each area contained
malignant cells. Given this case was considered to be stage III, it was recommended that Mrs. H. have
chemotherapy and radiation treatment following surgery and later have her ovaries removed to reduce her
estrogen levels.
Discussion Questions
1. Other than the biopsy used in this case, discuss what other diagnostic tests could have been used to
diagnose the cancer.
2.Discuss the reasons why the axillary lymph nodes were removed and it was recommended that the patient
continue with chemotherapy and radiation.