Forum Discussion
Lumpectomy or straight to mastectomy
Currently have a 3cm malignant tumour on my left breast and no lymph node activity. Did a core biopsy and it’s oestrogen and progesterone receptors are negative.
The dr is suggestion a lumpectomy with 5cm margins and a sentinel node removal, chemo and radiation .
Dont know what to do. Confused.
The dr is suggestion a lumpectomy with 5cm margins and a sentinel node removal, chemo and radiation .
Dont know what to do. Confused.
11 Replies
- Hi @Lynn1 - you can really only be guided by your medical team here - but ultimately, the choice really is yours. I was lucky & went for lumpectomy/breast conserving surgery for invasive lobular cancer (oestrogen & progesterone +) and sentinel node removal. I didn't need chemo, but did have 4 weeks of radiation & now on hormone suppressing meds.
Does anyone in your family have a history of Breast Cancer? This can sometimes sway you towards a mastectomy ....
If they get clear margins with the lumpectmy & it is not in the nodes, it is usually considered a good result, with the other follow-up treatment as 'insurance'.
Quite a few have to go back for a 2nd clearance, sometimes resulting in a mastectomy.
Take care, all the best with your decision making xxx
