Spindle cells

I had a large mass appear very quickly. Within a couple of weeks it has become the size of as my surgeon described it "a baseball"  Seven years ago a biopsy was done in the same area. When the most recent biopsy was done it shows spindle cells so a lumpectomy is scheduled for this week. Should I expect any further treatment? My Dr. said that removal of the mass with a good size margin should be all I will need.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

A mass that is composed of spindle cells can mean that we are dealing with a phylloides type of tumor.  In contrast with the typical breast cancer which comes from the ducts or lobules, phylloides tumor comes from the connective tissue stroma of the breast.

Treatment for Phylloides tumor would usually require a surgery with adequate margins around the tumor.  This form of treatment is usually enough and would not require further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

I hope that your surgeon can achieve good margins.  Regards and good luck with the operation.