Treating Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer in Central California
Some breast cancers are influenced by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Such breast cancers may test positive for estrogen, progesterone, or both. Most breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive (also known as ER-positive breast cancer). More than half are estrogen and progesterone positive. Only about two percent of breast cancers are progesterone positive only.
Your breast cancer’s hormone receptor status is part of your diagnosis. At Dignity Health Center California, our oncology specialists know the vital role hormones play in the treatment of breast cancer. We can provide the expertise and personalized care you need.
Find a Doctor who specializes in treating estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in Central California.
Symptoms of Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Breast cancer that uses hormones to grow doesn’t have distinctive symptoms. Breast cancer symptoms, including the symptoms for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, are typically the same.
They include:
- Lump in your breast
- Breast swelling
- Nipple discharge that’s not breast milk
- Changes in the appearance or shape of your breast or nipple
In some cases, breast cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms. That’s why mammograms and other breast cancer screenings are an essential part of breast care.
How We Diagnose Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Your Dignity Health Central California doctor will need to perform a biopsy to test the tumor’s cells for the hormone receptor status. This involves undergoing a minor procedure to withdraw a tissue sample. Your doctor will share the results with you and explain how the diagnosis affects your treatment.
Treating ER-Positive Breast Cancer at Dignity Health Central California
At our cancer centers, your treatment will always be personalized to meet your treatment goals and preferences. The stage of your breast cancer will largely guide your treatment options.
Hormone therapy is a common treatment approach for breast cancers that rely on hormones to grow. Drugs used for treatment work by either blocking the receptors on the cancer cells or by lowering the overall levels of hormones in your body. Surgery is usually recommended along with hormone therapy to ensure the cancer is completely removed.
For comprehensive breast cancer care with humankindness, make an appointment with one of our experts today.
Dignity Health Central California offer complete care for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in Bakersfield, San Andreas, Merced, and Stockton, CA.