clear margins, what is the minimum safe margin

[blackbirdnz]

I would like to know if the following margins are good or not...  histology report in brief...

DCIS cribriform type, mostly intermediate nuclear grade but shows some areas of low and high nuclear grade.  There is focal necrosis and focal micro-calcification.  The DCIS show cancerization of lobules and also extends into ducts.

The DCIS is present at the lateral margin and at this site, is also 0.3mm from inferolateral margin and 0.7mm from the superloateral margin.

superior - 1mm away, posterosuperior - 0.6mm away, anterior - 9mm away, inferior - 12mm away, posterior - 10mm away, medial - >13mm away,
thanks,
Meryl

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

First of all I would like to know the type of operation that was performed.  Is it just excision? or lumpectomy?  I agree that those margins are a bit close.

Present cancer guidelines (NCCN) recommend lumpectomy with radiation for the treatment of DCIS.  I suggest you discuss this matter with your surgeon.  Keep us posted

Regards...

[Prettyangelface]

My specialist told me 1 cm all the way around is a clear margin but I imagine it varies with different cases.

[blackbirdnz]

Had appt with specialist, have to have more surgery as the margins above were not sufficient, my specialist said "3 to 6 mm is a clear margin".