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  • Although less aggressive than other forms, stage II breast cancer is still dangerous unless diagnosed and treated properly.

    Cancer

    Cancer, in any form, is when the cells of a particular part of the body no longer grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. Instead, the cells reproduce at rapid rates and invade other tissues within the body.

    Stages

    Once diagnosed, the severity of cancer is ranked based on stages ranging from 0 to V, 0 being the early stages and V being most severe. Stage II breast cancer is divided into two sub-categories: Stage IIA and IIB.

    Stage IIA

    According to BreastCancer.org, stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which no tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes under the arm (the axillary lymph nodes). It also can describe a tumor measuring 2 cm or less that has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or a tumor that is between 2 and 5 cm but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

    Stage IIB

    BreastCancer.org describes Stage IIB as invasive breast cancer in which a tumor is 2 to 5 cm in size and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes. It also can indicate a tumor that is larger than 5 cm but has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes.

    Treatment

    Treatment options for stage II breast cancer include lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. Doctors will make treatment suggestions based on individual cases and needs.

    Source:

    National Breast Cancer Foundation: What is Breast Cancer?

    BreastCancer.org: Stages of Breast Cancer

    More Information:

    Susan G. Komen for the Cure

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