final path reprot after mastectomy

[sumanb]

I am ER?PR +ve, Her2 -ve,. I had my mastectomy on 4/10. The tumor was 4 CM. other smaller tumor is in situ. clear margins. SNB showed all 5 nodes to be negative. that's the good part. But, The report also says poorly differentiated DC in central area. Most concerning part is " ANGOLYMPHATIC INVASION PRESENT". I tried to search on it but no luck. They are going to order the DX test. I am no expert but I feel no matter what the ONCO score is, the above mentioned invasion mandates chemo and/or radaiton before the hormone treatment. Has nayone had this type of diagnosis?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear sumanb: Whether or not chemotherapy is recommended will depend on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor, whether there are lymph nodes involved and the general health of the patient.  In most cases, chemotherapy will be recommended when the tumor is 4cm.  We are learning more and more about the biology of tumors and how they may behave.  This helps us to prognositicate and make recommendations for treatment.  Angiolymphatic invasion means that there is evidence that the cancer cells have invaded the small lymphatic vessels and blood vessels in the area of the tumor.  The concern with this finding is that this is an indicator that the tumor may be more likely to spread.  This information used along with all of the other information will help the oncologist to determine the best type of treatment for your situation.

[sumanb]

Thanks for your response. Since I had the mastectomy, the tumor (s) and the surrounding breast tissues / blood vessels have been taken out. I am prepared for the chemo and/or radiation but they will not start the treatment till I am healed from the surgery ( 4 to 5 weeks). What are the chances that the cancer will spread through blood vessles during this period?

My CT scan and Bone scans done before the surgery came negative. Would adjuvant chemo and radiation will stop the cancer from spread  in the other breast and the rest of the body?

I thought this part of the path report was significant, but my breast surgeon did not even mention it in our follow- up.  I read it when I cam ehome. I am totaly freaked out about this.

what are the survival chances with the angiolymaphatic invasion?

Thanks you so much.

[boninclyde]

The doctor here will only answer your first question unless you start a new post. Try posting a new question. Also go to breastcancer.org read the site and join the discussion board there. Lots of ladies there that have been through this same thing. You will find much needed support. Breast cancer is very survivable. I wish you well.