Name of the Condition

• Estrogen Receptor Negative Status
• ER-

Summary

Estrogen receptor negative status, or ER-, refers to a classification used primarily in breast cancer diagnostics. It indicates that the cancer cells do not have receptors for the hormone estrogen, meaning treatments that target estrogen receptors are less likely to be effective.

Causes

Estrogen receptor negative status is primarily a characteristic of certain types of breast cancer rather than a condition with distinct causes. It contrasts with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cancers, which grow in response to estrogen.

Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
• Specific subtypes of breast cancer.
• Younger age at diagnosis.
• High-grade tumors.

Symptoms

Estrogen receptor negative status itself does not cause symptoms, but the breast cancer associated with this status can present symptoms such as lumps in the breast, changes to breast shape, and nipple discharge.

Diagnosis

• Histopathology with immunohistochemical staining to assess receptor status.
• Routine breast cancer diagnostic procedures including biopsies.

Treatment Options

• Chemotherapy: Effective for many estrogen receptor negative cancers.
• Targeted therapies: Address specific genetic mutations or characteristics of the cancer.
• Surgery: Removal of tumors via lumpectomy or mastectomy.
• Radiation therapy: To target and kill cancerous cells.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Estrogen receptor negative cancers tend to have a more aggressive course with a poorer prognosis compared to ER+ cancers.
• Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor for recurrence or progression of the disease.

Complications

• Increased risk of cancer recurrence.
• Limited effectiveness of hormone therapies.
• Potential for metastasis.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall breast health.
• Routine screening and genetic counseling if there is a family history of breast cancer.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical advice if there are noticeable changes in breast tissue, such as lumps, dimpling, or discharge.

Additional Resources

• American Cancer Society
• National Breast Cancer Foundation
• BreastCancer.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation distinguishing ER- status in medical records.
• Be aware that ER- is often coded alongside the primary diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Avoid confusing ER- with ER+ when assigning codes as treatment implications differ significantly.