IDC

For my 53mm IDC it was suggested chemotherapy treatment for around 3 months before surgery. Is this a common procedure? Wouldn't be better to first have a mastectomy to get rid of the tumor quickly?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Gisella, The reason for doing neoadjuvant or preoperative chemotherapy is to shrink tumors so they can be surgically removed. In some situations it allows women who would need a mastectomy because of large tumors to have breast-conserving treatment if they want it. Another reason for neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be for locally-advanced tumors (i.e. tumors growing into the skin or chest wall or have enlarged lymph nodes that are matted together but no evidence of spread elsewhere in the body). The treatment in this case is to shrink tumors enough to be able to be surgically removed.  Your oncologist would be able to discuss the recommendation for neoadjuvant treatment as it applies to your particular situation.