Triple Negative Breast Cancer

What is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

Most breast cancers contain one or more of the following molecular receptors on the surface of cells:

• Estrogen receptor (ER)
• Progesterone receptor (PR)
• Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
  
   

Signs & Symptoms of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

• A lump or mass in the breast: May feel hard, irregular in shape and different from the rest of the breast tissue
• Changes in the texture or appearance of the breast skin: Examples include dimpling, puckering, redness or thickening of the skin
• Change in the size or shape of the breast: One breast may appear noticeably different compared to the other
• Nipple discharge or inversion: Unexplained discharge from the nipple, which may be bloody, or the nipple turning inward
• Swelling in the breast or underarm area: This could indicate that the cancer has spread to lymph nodes

While these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, it's important to consult your doctor if you notice any changes.

Regular self-exams and breast cancer screenings are key to catching potential issues early. The sooner triple negative-breast cancer is detected, the more effective treatment can be.

How is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Many of the same tests used to rule out or diagnose other types of breast cancer are also used to detect triple-negative breast cancers, including:

Breast Exam: A physical examination by a health care professional to check for lumps or other changes in the breast and underarm area.

Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors and other abnormalities. It's often the first step in evaluating concerning symptoms.

Breast ultrasound: If a lump is found, an ultrasound may be used to further analyze breast tissue.

Breast biopsy: The definitive way of diagnosing breast cancer. A small sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

If a breast cancer diagnosis is made, further analysis of cancer cells will be performed to determine its molecular subtype. Triple-negative breast cancer is diagnosed if the cancer cells lack estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2.

Treatment Options

Effectively treating triple-negative breast cancer takes the right team and right treatment plan. Our breast cancer experts work together to diagnose and treat triple-negative breast cancer at an individualized level.

Your care team may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

Lumpectomy

Often referred to as breast-conserving surgery, a lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue. Lumpectomies may be followed by radiation therapy to ensure any cancer cells that may remain are destroyed.

Mastectomy

This type of breast cancer surgery involves the removal of the entire breast, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes, to eliminate cancer. A mastectomy may be recommended if the tumor is large or if there's a high risk of recurrence. Breast reconstructive surgery is available at the same time or afterward.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells — to help shrink tumors before surgery or kill any remaining cancer cells afterward. It’s often used to treat triple-negative breast cancer since this type of breast cancer does not respond to targeted therapies.

Radiation 

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment may be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Immunotherapy 

Often used along with chemotherapy, immunotherapy helps the body's immune system fight cancer. In certain cases of triple-negative breast cancer, immunotherapy can be effective in targeting and destroying cancer cells.

Houston Methodist’s Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Clinic 

The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Clinic at Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center cares for patients diagnosed with or facing recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer. 

Our oncologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, genetic counselors and nutritionists work together to guide patients through:

• Cancer surveillance
• Consultations and treatment options
• Clinical trial enrollment
• Genetic testing and follow-up
• Family planning counseling

We offer personalized care plans based on each patient’s type of breast cancer and unique personal circumstances. Our staff strives to help patients select the most effective and appropriate treatments, therapies or clinical trials.