Once it is determined that you have breast cancer, your doctor should explain the treatment options available to you and recommend the most appropriate option for you. Treatment for cancer of the breast depends on such factors as the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and the patient's age, and overall health. The following are standard treatments based upon the stage of the cancer.

• Stage 0 Breast Cancer (T1SN0M0)

  This stage is sometimes called noninvasive carcinoma or carcinoma in situ.

  Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) are abnormal cells in the lining of a lobule. Although these abnormal cells generally do not become invasive cancer, their presence is a sign that a woman has an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This risk of cancer is increased for both breasts. The woman's doctoc may recommend tamoxifen, which can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Some doctor's may recommend careful, regular follow-ups to monitor the condition. Some doctors will recommend surgery to try to prevent cancer from developing.

  Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) also called (intraductal carcinoma) is made up of abnormal cells in the lining of a duct. The abnormal cells have not spread beyond the duct to invade the surrounding breast tissue. However, women with DCIS are at an increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer. The woman's doctor may recommend breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy or a mastectomy. Underarm lymph nodes are not usually removed. Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer may also be an option.

  
  

• Stage I Breast Cancer (T1N0M0)

  This stage is considered an early stage. Patients with Stage I breast cancer generally undergo breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy to the breast, or a mastectomy. The lymph nodes under the arm are usually removed during the surgery. Stage I patients often also undergo chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy.

  
  

• Stage II Breast Cancer (T0N1M0 T1N1M0, T2N0,N1M0, T3N0M0)

  This stage is still considered an early stage. Patients with Stage II breast cancer generally undergo breast-sparing surgery followed by radiation therapy to the breast, or a mastectomy. The lymph nodes under the arm are usually removed during the surgery. Stage II patients generally also undergo chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy.

  
  

• Stage III Breast Cancer (T0N2M0, T1N2M0, T2N2M0, T3,N2M0, T4AnyN,M0, AnyT,N3,M0)

  Patients with stage III breast cancer usually have both local treatment to remove or destroy the cancer in the breast and systemic treatment to stop the disease from spreading. The local treatment may include surgery and/or radiation therapy to the breast and underarm. The systemic treatment may include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both. Systemic therapy may be given before local therapy to shrink the tumor or afterward to prevent the disease from recurring in the breast or elsewhere.

  
  

• Stage IV Breast Cancer (AnyTAnyNM1)

  This stage involves metastasis, or the spread of the cancer beyond the breast and underarm lymph nodes to other parts of the body

  The treatment for Stage IV breast cancer generally involves chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy to destroy cancer cells and control the disease. Surgery or radiation therapy may also be used to control the cancer in the breast. In addition, radiation may be useful to control tumors in other parts of the body.

  
  

• Recurrent Breast Cancer

  If the cancer has come back (recurred) treatment will depend on such factors as whether there is local recurrence or metastasis, the extent of the recurrence, and the woman's health.