Forum Discussion

MelV83's avatar
MelV83
Member
6 months ago

Pathology results

Hey everyone, 

I’m trying to understand my histopathology report from my biopsy and I’m hoping someone here has answers, as I won’t get to see a doctor till the 19th November. 

This is what the report says:

”The cores of breast tissue are infiltrated by an invasive ductal carcinoma. The tumour forms solid nests and cords of atypical ductal epithelial cells displaying a moderate degree of nuclear pleomorphism. In addition, several multinucleated giant cells are noted indicating invasive ductal carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells.”

I also have a Ki-67 of 30-40%. My report also states the cancer is oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive and HER-2 low.


I do have a good understanding of anatomy and anatomical terms as I’m a science teacher- and epithelial means skin cells and osteoclastic should have something to do with bones. 

So does this mean I likely have metastatic disease with Mets in skin and bone? 

I’m likely just having anxiety but because I have so long to wait for the appointment and I can’t call the line until Monday I’m hoping someone else has had similar results. 


anxiety
  • Julez1958's avatar
    Julez1958
    Member
    6 months ago
    Hi @MelV83
    That seems an awfully long time to have to wait and see your Dr to have the results explained to you and have a plan of action, if it possible to see if the appointment can be brought forward?
    My own story was - found a lump on the Sunday, , saw my GP the next day ( Monday) had mammogram and ultrasound two days after that, biopsy two days after that , results delivered to me by my GP within a week after that ( stage 2 lobular breast cancer) and  saw breast cancer surgeon a few days after that.
    The breast cancer surgeon sent me for more tests including scans and  an MRI - what further tests will be different in each individual case.
    I was recommended a mastectomy due to the size of my tumour and I had the surgery within 6 weeks of finding the lump .
    I do believe there are guidelines about how long  after diagnosis surgery should be ( whether a lumpectomy or mastectomy).
    I did find my GP ( who was female and very experienced) was great at helping me navigate it all - can you call on your GP here?
    What city/region are you in? You can add this to your  profile and others on here may be able to give you more targeted advice .
    Also you might want to call the BCNA hotline Monday morning to have a chat.
    I do recall my surgeon telling me my cancer was slow  growing and we had time to do further tests etc but once I knew it was cancer it felt like I had a time bomb inside me and I was desperate to get it out!
    One very good piece of advice my GP gave me was that I should the my husband to all the appointments initially as I would still likely be in shock and not taking everything in .
    Take care .


  • cranky_granny's avatar
    cranky_granny
    Member
    6 months ago
    @MelV83 my pathology was dumbed down for me. 
    Invasive ductal carcinoma ER & PR + Her -  its feelers had attached to my skin , muscle and sternum. At the time it was thought the lymph glands were reactionary to tumour  the Ki 67 was never mentioned that I can remember been nearly 8 yrs now
    A more detailed report was done after breast conserving lumpectomy and 4 lymph glands taken that it had  spread to the lymph nodes. The Oncologist was fantastic at answering my questions. 
    My order of treatment was Chemo 5 mths long done in hopes to shrink the tumour then the surgery followed by radiation. Each of our treatment plans are worked out on case by case.