Karen, the Allred score indicates how strongly your tumor is estrogen-receptor positive.  A score of 8 is high, so that probably means that your tumor will respond well to hormonal treatments like Tamoxifen.  The Nottingham score suggests how aggressive a cancer is.  Nine is the highest, so I would think that a six would be in the intermediate range.  Our guide to understanding a pathology report will help you understand some of the other details.  Only your own doctor can tell you what these two numbers mean for you because your doctor has all the other information about your medical history and the other features of your tumor.

When you are first diagnosed with breast cancer, all the new terminology can be overwhelming, so if possible take someone with you to appointments to take notes and help you with asking follow-up questions.  I wish you the best as you begin your treatment.

Karen C.

10/ 6/10 1:22pm

Thank you so much!!  I feel so over whelmed.  I read the pathology report and of course did not understand it.  I haven't seen a surgeon yet and I have so many questions.  Again thank you.  The information has been helpful.

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

10/ 6/10 5:21pm

Glad to help.  I remember how overwhelmed I was by all the information when I was first diagnosed.  You don't need to know it all at once.  Just take it a little at a time.