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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Lumpectory for a 95 year old
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Lumpectory for a 95 year old
by waipo, Nov 15, 2006 12:00AM
My grandma recently found a lump in her breast. Ultrasound showed that the dimension is about 1.4 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm. The surgeon recommended a lumpectomy, but the oncologist asked the family to use caution when considering surgery because she is 95 years old. My grandma has generally good health except that she has got high blood pressure and a very minor stroke 5 years ago. She is not having any treatment now, and the tumor does not bother her. We are at a dilemma here trying to decide whether to have the surgery. On one hand, we are hoping that the cancer would progress very slowly at her age so that she does not have to go through any painful treatment, or treatment that may cause complications. On the other hand, if her situation would deteriorate in a couple of years, we might as well have the lump removed now than later. I would really appreciate it if you can kindly offer some professional suggestions.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Nov 15, 2006 12:00AM
Dear waipo: Without evaluation, it is impossible for us to make any meaningful recommendations. Certainly, any intervention must be weighed benefit against risk. It would be very easy to make these sorts of decisions if we could predict the future but we, unfortunately, don't have that luxury. Healthcare decisions should generally be made based on the health of an individual, not necessarily on age. You might see if there is a geriatric specialist in your area who has some interest in cancer and could weigh in on this decision. When speaking with her other doctors, you might also ask what could be expected in the future if the lump is removed (or not removed) and whether there may be any other options to consider in treating the cancer. You may also want to discuss with the surgeon whether the breast procedure can be done under local anesthesia or whether general anesthesia will be required.
Member Comments (2)
by Avidhiker, Nov 15, 2006 12:00AM
To: waipo
I am not a physician, but I question why a biopsy is not being considered. I do know that is the only way to determine whether it is cancer or not.
