Is the size of the primitive cancer (in th breast) important for the diagnosis of a MBC?

Hi, first i wanted to thank you all for the time you took to answer or read my previous message.

Thank you all for your support.

I was just wondering if the size of the primitive cancer in a MBC can give important information concerning the aggressivity of the cancer ? I have the feeling that specialits have different opinions...

[Jessie55]

I’m not sure but think aggressiveness is independent of size.

[Andersl]

my understanding is that it is the particular cells that determines the aggressiveness of the cancer not the size.

Each individual treatment protocol is aimed at a particular cell type found in the biopsy. Some cell types are more aggressive than others.

[NPmary]

lnteresting question. I havenot seen any research asking this question.

[LadyKatarina]

I agree with Andersl above. Check out the latest edition of "Susan Love's Breast Book." She goes over the pathology results of the cancer cells and how they categorize them for their aggressiveness. She is an oncology breast surgeon--who also had leukemia. She also has a Research Foundation. Best to you!

[RLN-overcomer]

I completely agree with Andersi, & ladykatarina. Some cancer cells move slowly, and some most quick fast (aggressively).

[TammyCross]

I had an enormous tumor in my chest when I was first diagnosed in 2019 -- 10 cm? Many many mets, in bones and pleura. The chest one seemed to develop really fast. I dropped 12 pounds and docs ignored it because I felt fine, then within a few months I got sicker and sicker, couldn't walk, out of breath; severe pain at night. Despite the size and speed of that first round, it turns out I have "indolent" cancer. It grows really slowly. I have one small tumor now, and it is shrinking. I have a "low cancer burden."

So it seems others who replied are quite right. Aggression is independent of size, apparently. Seems odd, but they must not be related.

[kellylinkane]

I donnt think the sizes of tumor to predict MBC,is do you have cancer stem cell still at your blood stream and if your immue system strong may be able to kill stem cell left behind.