Forum Discussion

San-Dee's avatar
San-Dee
Member
9 years ago

Does Size Matter?

Does anyone know if the size of the tumour has an effect on the follow up treatment? It was removed with clear margins and my SNB was clear. My surgeon said the tumour was almost twice as big as he first thought and more aggressive. When I had my preliminary visit with the radiation oncologist, his registrar said the tumour was only small. I said it was twice as big, but she insisted it was otherwise. A visit to my GP later and the discrepancy was brought to her attention. She printed off the surgeon's report, said she doubted he would have made such an error and has told me to show it to the oncologist next week. 

I know I am probably panicking over nothing, but I just wonder if the the size of the tumour has any bearing on the course of treatment. Also wondering if the results of the genetic testing would have been different depending on the size. 

Cheers

San-Dee

  • San-Dee's avatar
    San-Dee
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks Primek,

    Surgeon said my tumour was 24mm, but onc registrar said it was only 10mm. Think we'll asking for copies of the path reports. Something doesn't add up!!

    Cheers

  • San-Dee's avatar
    San-Dee
    Member
    9 years ago

    Thanks Marlee,

     

    I didn't see medical or radiation oncologists until after surgery. 

    I might try calling my surgeon before I see the rad onc net week just to clarify.

     

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    Also...it is about tumour size versus breast size also I believe.

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago

    Usually they go on the actual size on removal. Mine was bigger than 1st thought but remained as a stage 1 as it remained under 2 cm and no lymph nodes. However due to grade 3 still having chemo. Ask for a copy of the final pathology so you know exactly size, grade etc and keep a copy.  The oncologist might still consider it small.

  • Marlee's avatar
    Marlee
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi

    Did the printout show bigger tumour than rad onc said?

    Did you see rad onc before surgery?

    I guess to answer your question, yes size does impact on treatment, I had a mastectomy, no evidence in SN but still needed radiation because tumour was about 5cm - so big

    I also had chemo because of size