Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day centers on a 71-year-old woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Imaging and pathology show malignant glandular cells arising from the ducts and invading beyond the basement membrane. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse in the primary care office is reviewing the oncologist’s note in a patient’s chart. Based on the information, which type of breast cancer best describes this patient’s results?
| Progress Note |
| Patient is a 71-year-old biological female who underwent testing for suspected breast cancer. Cancerous cells appear to have formed from glandular tissue stemming from the wall of the ducts into the lumen. According to imaging, the tumor has crossed the basement membrane. |
A. Invasive ductal carcinoma
B. Lobular carcinoma in situ
C. Acinar cell carcinoma
D. Leiomyosarcoma
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX® Question is…
A. Invasive ductal carcinoma
Rationale: In ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) the tumor grows from the wall of the ducts into the lumen. However, as the tumor progresses, it can cross the basement membrane to become invasive ductal carcinoma. Therefore, these findings most likely indicate invasive ductal carcinoma.
Main Takeaway
Most breast cancers are adenocarcinomas, meaning the cancerous cells form from glandular tissue. In ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the tumor grows from the wall of the ducts into the lumen. As the tumor progresses, it can cross the basement membrane to become invasive ductal carcinoma. On the other hand, in lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), the tumor cells grow within the lobules without invading the ducts. Now, as the tumor continues to grow it can invade the nearby tissues like the pectoral muscles. The cancerous cells can also enter the lymphatic vessels, causing blockages and a build-up of lymph in the interstitial space. Finally, tumor cells can metastasize, or spread, via the blood or lymph to other parts of the body, like the bones, liver, or lungs.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
B. Lobular carcinoma in situ
Rationale: In lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) the tumor cells grow within the lobules without invading the ducts. Therefore, this type of breast cancer does not best describe the clinical findings.
C. Acinar cell carcinoma
Rationale: Acinar cell carcinoma is a type of pancreatic cancer, therefore this does not best describe the patient’s results.
D. Leiomyosarcoma
Rationale: Leiomyosarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma, therefore it does not best describe the patient’s results.
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