what grade?

I had a core needle biopsy done on 2/27.  Preliminary results: positive for DCIS and IDC. I was told it would be a couple weeks before further results would be available.  Now have been told it is E/PR+ and HER 2- . OK that's good.  I've asked twice what grade it is and the surgeon said he won't know that until after surgery.  I did not say stage.  Am I wrong in believing that this is something that would be on a report from a biopsy?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could call up the lab and ask them for a copy of the biopsy report - that would have the grade of the cancer.

Grade of the cancer is actually a classification depending on the differentiation of the cancer cells - the well differentiated one having a good prognosis as compared to the moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated one.

You are right, this should be made known to you from a pathological analysis of the biopsy sample itself.

Let us know if you have any doubts.

Keep us posted.

Regards.

[sublue]

No doubt you are or have been in contact with pathology!  Let us know what say.  Hope results are moderate. If not, you will know and be able to study on it at least.  I say, 2 weeks is a hell of a long time to wait.  No longer or shorter 71/2 yrs ago. Probably the most hair ever to fall out of my head in 2 weeks over shear fear and worry.  Chemo beat it all to hell though.  Please let that not be in the picture here!

Waiting and watching,  MarySue

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How are you doing now? Were you able to clear out your doubts?

Let us know about what the reports say.

Keep us posted.

Regards.

[Kelleen]

I contacted my hospital's medical records dept and received copies of all my recent records.  The "final" pathology report did not make any reference to grading, only the ER/PR+ and HER2/neu-.  Don't know why if, if as you say, this should have been part of the study from my biopsy.  It was a core needle biopsy rather than the wire guided surgical type.  I would still think that "ten 5-16 mm cores" would be enough tissue to analyze.  The only microscopic description given was "the longest dimension of invasive carcinoma in these cores is 8mm."

Regardless of that, I have made my final decision for a total mastectomy with immediate TRAM reconstruction. My plastic surgeon spent 2 1/2 hours with me during my initial consultation!  I'm fortunate that his son is friends with mine.  I'm sure he's great with all his pts but it really helps to feel a special connection.  No date yet.  The 2 surgeons have to coordinate their schedules, but within 2 wks we hope.

Also had a consult with a highly recommended medical oncologist.  Loved him!  He will have an "ONCOtype performed on a sample of my tissue after surgery (if sentinal nodes are -).  This was very comforting to know that my treatment could be tailored specifically using the results of a  21 gene analysis that has a lot of statistical data to back up the treatment recommendations for each category you fall into.

Thanks
Kelleen

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You are lucky to have a good rapport with both your doctor's and you would understand the importance of being comfortable to talk and clear your doubts with your doctor.

Let us know how you are doing and keep us posted.

Regards.