The 8-Year Management of an Older Breast Cancer Patient by Non-surgical Primary Therapies and Minimized Surgery: A Case Report

• Main Authors: Jin Kyung An, Jeong Joo Woo, Hee Yong Kwak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea Geriatrics Society 2020-09-01
• Series: Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research
• Subjects: breast neoplasms; aged; therapeutics; disease management
• Online Access: http://www.e-agmr.org/upload/pdf/agmr-20-0026.pdf

A 74-year-old woman presented with a palpable lesion in her right breast. At the time of her visit, she was taking medications for diabetes, hypertension, tremors, tinnitus, and lumbago. She was also caring for her husband, who had dementia. Imaging studies revealed another lesion in addition to the palpable mass. A core biopsy of the palpable mass confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma. Surgery was recommended to remove both masses. However, the patient refused the operation due to her comorbidities and her husband’s nursing needs. A modified treatment process, including non-surgical primary therapies, minimized surgery, and close follow-up, for 8 years proved successful. This report focuses on the points to consider in the treatment and management of older patients with breast cancer.