abbreviations explained

[AliciaB]

Hello all,
Could we have a permanent sticky that explains simple abbreviation that are commonly used?
Does HER2 +++ = progestron +, estrogen + and Her2 +?

How do you put that one out of 4 lymph nodes were positive?

Thanks for help.

[NanaJoni]

Alicia, It's like learning a new language, isn't it? And not nearly as much fun to use as maybe French or Italian. Anyway here are a few I've learned and use:

dx = diagnosis
tx = treatment
mx = mastectomy
HER2+ or HER2++ or HER2+++ = the plus indicates the level of positivity of HER2 from your biopsy/pathology report
TCH - chemo of Taxotere, carboplatin, Herceptin
most chemo regimens are shortened to the first letter but
T can be taxol or taxotere, etc
er+ = estrogen positive
pr+ = progesterone positive

Don't know of any standard way to show the lymph node info except may 1 of 4 or 1/4 positive???? I'm sure others have their own shorthand and will chime in soon.

[AliciaB]

Thank you! Now I need to look at my path report.