Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova is “Cancer Free”
Martina Navratilova announced Monday that she has no trace of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with a form of Breast cancer called DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) on February 24th 2010. She underwent lumpectomy and is currently receiving radiation therapy.
Martina is nine-time Wimbledon Champion and 18-time Grand Slam tournament singles champion! She is 53 years old and still plays tennis and hockey actively.
How much do you know about DCIS? Read more and find out.
What is ductal cancer in-situ (DCIS)?
It is a malignancy of the breast which is confined to the ducts and lobules by the basement membrane (in-situ).
What is the most common presentation of DCIS?
Microcalcifications seen on mammography.
What structure of the breast is breast cancer thought to arise from?
The terminal duct lobular unit.
What is the distinguishing feature between in-situ cancer and invasive cancers?
Invasion of the basement membrane.
What must the cancer produce to become invasive?
Collagenase 4 a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
What is the cofactor for a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)?
They are zinc-dependent!
What is the term for DCIS when is spreads up the lactiferous ducts to the nipple skin?
Paget disease of the nipple.
Tags: Martina Navratilova, DCIS
Copyright 2010 John Barone MD. All rights reserved.