Lump removed and second surgery required

[ljbd03]

December 16, 2005 I had surgery to check out what showed up - a lump/mass - on my yearly mamo (age 43).  Thinking it was scar tissue from prior surgeries, all were surprised to find cancer within the mass/lump.  I have to go back to surgery a second time next week to have more tissue removed and check lymph nodes.  

Why remove additionsl tissue?  I understand the lymph nodes.  I was told my markers were within normal range and my lump was 1.5 cm.  I'm guessing we caught it early?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear ljbd03:  An excisional biopsy removes the lump.  Sometimes, particularly when cancer is found unexpectedly, there may be cancer cells remaining at or close to the edge of the where the lump was removed.  In these cases, doctors will usually do a second surgery to be sure there are "clean margins" (no cancer cells near the edge of the removed tissue).  The lymph nodes can be checked at the same time.

[MicheleR]

Hello All.  I am a 48 year old woman who ahs just had 3 suspicious lesions/masses removed from my left breast (excisional biopsy).  Two years ago, a lump was removed and deemed a fibroadenoma.  My doctor inferred (I think) that one lump seemed not to be too troublesome, however, 3 more in the same location concerns him.  I am waiting for the biopsy results.  Naturally I am frightened, but am I going over the top with his comment and reading too much into it?
Any input would ne helpful.
Thanks,
Michele

[MicheleR]

PS: Sorry for the quick (terrible) typing!
Micheler

[MicheleR]

Follow up: 3 Fibroadenomas.