Among the different types of breast cancer, luminal A is one of them. Luminal A breast cancer means that the cancer cells have hormone receptors but lack HER2 receptors.
Understanding the type of breast cancer you have can greatly help doctors determine the most appropriate treatment. To learn more about luminal A breast cancer, read the detailed explanation below.
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What is Luminal A Breast Cancer?
Broadly speaking, breast cancer types are classified based on their malignancy, whether invasive or non-invasive. However, another classification exists based on the type of receptors found on the surface of cancer cells.
Some cancer cells have hormone receptors, either for estrogen or progesterone, on their surface. Additionally, there is a protein receptor known as the HER2 protein. When cancer cells interact with hormones or the HER2 protein through their receptors, it provides fuel for the cancer cells to grow.
Cancer cells with hormone receptors are called HR-positive (either ER-positive or PR-positive breast cancer). If these receptors are absent, it is referred to as HR-negative. Meanwhile, if HER2 receptors are present, it is classified as HER2-positive breast cancer; otherwise, it is HER2-negative.
Luminal A breast cancer means that cancer cells have hormone receptors (HR-positive) but do not have HER2 receptors (HER2-negative).
Understanding the type of receptors present in cancer cells helps doctors determine the most appropriate breast cancer treatment.
Luminal A breast cancer is one of the most common subtypes of breast cancer. Around 60-80% of breast cancer cases fall into the luminal A category.
Compared to other types of breast cancer, luminal A breast cancer has the following characteristics:
- Slower cell growth
- Less aggressive behavior
- Generally better prognosis
Symptoms of Luminal A Breast Cancer
The symptoms of luminal A breast cancer are generally similar to other breast cancer symptoms. Some symptoms that may appear include:
- A lump in the breast
- A lump in the armpit or collarbone area
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple inversion or abnormal discharge
- Skin texture resembling an orange peel or irritation
Diagnosis
To diagnose breast cancer, you need to undergo a series of examinations. Initially, imaging procedures such as mammography, breast MRI, or ultrasound may be conducted.
If suspicious lumps are detected through imaging, a breast biopsy may be required to determine whether the cells are malignant.
After the biopsy, the tissue sample will be examined in a laboratory through immunohistochemistry testing. This test helps determine the presence of hormone receptors or HER2 protein.
Treatment
Breast cancer treatment varies and includes hormone therapy, radiotherapy, breast cancer surgery, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type of breast cancer, the stage at diagnosis, and the overall health condition of the patient.
Since luminal A breast cancer has hormone receptors, it often responds well to hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy for breast cancer focuses on blocking or reducing the production of female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. This is because luminal A breast cancer is highly sensitive to these hormones.
Can Luminal A Breast Cancer Be Cured?
Compared to luminal B breast cancer, the luminal A subtype has a high likelihood of survival within five years after diagnosis. The five-year survival rate for luminal A breast cancer is approximately 94.4%.
Hormone therapy can be administered for five years post-surgery to prevent cancer recurrence. The prognosis improves significantly if treatment begins at the early stages of breast cancer.
Typically, doctors determine the subtype of breast cancer after performing a biopsy. This helps them decide on the most effective treatment plan.
Visit the Breast Advanced Cancer Center (BRAVE) at Mandaya Royal Hospital to consult with experienced medical oncology specialists who can help determine the right treatment plan for you. Doctors will conduct a series of examinations to identify the best approach for your condition.
Schedule an appointment through WhatsApp Chat, the Book Appointment page, or the Care Doctor app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. You can also monitor your queue number for a more convenient consultation experience.
