Problem
Case Study: Camille has a nervous 3-week wait to see the oncologist, and when she finally has her appointment, the oncologist sends her for a new ultrasound scan to see if there are any changes. Camille's oncologist informs her that the abnormal growth has considerably increased in size and is now more than 5 cm in diameter. The oncologist advises Camille to undergo surgery, and after discussing Camille's interest in starting a family and breastfeeding, it is decided that she will have a unilateral mastectomy. During surgery, changes in nearby lymph nodes are noted, and therefore it is decided that three lymph nodes that are closest to the left breast are also removed. Both the excised part of the breast tissue and all three lymph nodes are sent for histology, with the following results noted:
Invasive lobular carcinoma with marked anaplasia
Metastatic breast cancer cells are present in the first two lymph nodes, but the third was spared
The cancer cells express both oestrogen and progesterone receptors
A whole-body PET-scan is also performed, which indicates the presence of tumour cells in Camille's thoracic vertebrae and in her left lung.
When the histology and PET results become available, the oncologist discusses the treatment options with Camille.
In her second ultrasound, the oncologist noticed signs of angiogenesis. Define angiogenesis and explain its significance in Camille's case of breast cancer.