Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Pancreas Tumor

[wed]

My mother was recently diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment.  We just learned that she has a tumor on her pancreas (the other tests that were done show other areas are clear.)  Her oncologist said it could either be a benign tumor, the breast cancer spreading, or a separate pancreatic cancer.  The doctor does not want to stop the current treatment to do further testing on this tumor.

I haven't heard of breast cancer spreading to the pancreas - is this common for IBC?  I'm concerned about the spreading or - what seems even worse - pancreatic cancer.  Are we being foolish to just have my mother continue her current treatment - should we insist that this tumor be investigated further?

Any information you have on this would be greatly appreciated.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear wed:  It is not common, though not impossible, for breast cancer to spread to the pancreas.  Without reviewing the CT scan, it is impossible for us to speculate on this pancreas tumor.  Her oncologist may have the best perspective on this and action would likely be based on his/her interpretation of the tests done.  If you are not comfortable, you might consider a second opinion from another oncologist - keeping her on the chemotherapy while you do this.