Forum Discussion
San-Dee
10 years agoMember
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
15 Replies
- airlieMember
Thanks Jodie,
I shall my oncologist next visit.
I am stage 3 grade 3 with 2/28 node .
Never even thought of radiation ??
Airlie??
- JurryMember
Hi Airlie
I finished radiation on 19/4/16 after bilateral mastectomy. They treated the left chest wall (cancer left breast) and supraclavicular lymph nodes. I had left axillary clearance so no rads there. My tumour was triple negative grade 3, I think stage 2, first sentinel node positive all others negative. Not all breast tissue is removed with mastectomy and radiation is used to destroy any cancer cells that may remain. Decision usually based on pathology, size of tumour, lymph node involvement, margins etc
jodie ??
- San-DeeMember
Well, we will be giving the oncologist a good grilling on this issue before we do anything else.
I'll let you all know what his response is.
Cheers
San-Dee
- jd48Member
I would go with whatever they said after the tumor was removed as it is only when it is out that they really can measure it
And yes, size does affect how it gets treated but so does the grade and the stage. It is the combination of the 3 that dictates how they proceed.
Mine was deemed 2.9mm pre surgery (and when they did the scans and the biopsy) but post surgery turned out to be 2.5mm so I guess it is only the 2nd result that you can really trust.
All the best
- San-DeeMember
Hi Kath,
Think I am going to spend the rest of this weekend studying pathology report readings!!
My surgeon's report says that the histopathology has confirmed a 24mm x16mm grade 2 invasive duct carcinoma which was oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive.
This was different from the initial scan and biopsy reports.
Perhaps this is why the oncologist's registrar insisted it was only a "small 10mm" tumour.
Either way, we will be asking the question next week.
Thanks for your reply. I really appreciate the information.
Hugs
San-Dee
- San-DeeMember
Thanks Karen,
I would think the size would have some sort impact on the treatment. Someone has made a mistake somewhere! We will definitely raise the issue with the oncologist next week. I think I will also ask for a copy of all the path reports, just for my own peace of mind. Might even call my surgeon as well, to clarify.
All the best
San-Dee
- Cook65Member
Hi Sann-Dee
size along with grade, type of cancer, stage of cancer, whether or not it is hormone receptive or not all has an impact on the type of treatment recommended. Ask for a copy of your pathology report to get these details. I doubt that size would have any bearing on genetic reporting as genetics is different again. Karen xox
- primekMember
It is a 3d reading....mine was 1 x 1.2 x 1.9 ....so it is classified as 1.9 on final pathology report. The report should have size classo, grade and the stage classo...which can be T1 ratger than stage 1 etc.. on this site is explanation of different types of stages and different ways it is written. Easier with the results in front. My biopsy and ultrasound were different from the final. Kath
- primekMember
I believe when after mastectomy they may still need to do radiotherapy...it all depends on margins and lymph nodes. If close to chest wall they may need to. If lymph nodes they usually want to. Your oncologist will advise. Just ask if he knows if you will need to. Kath
- airlieMember
Hi. I was wondering if women that have a mastectomy need radiation. I didn't think I would (bilateral mastectomy ) as I have no breasts.
Mind I haven't asked my onco. Dont want to know at the moment.
I just want to get through the last 3 mths of chemo.
My tumour was 5cm stage 3 and high grade.
Did they say why you needed radiation?
Hope I dont sound silly?
Look forward to your reply.
Hugs Airlie ??