Pathology questions

[Hope72]

I had a modified radical mastectomy one week ago. I had an earlier biopsy that showed a l.5 millimeter lump, grade 3, and another the same size to which this lump had infiltrated, which is grade 2.  These were in the breast area under my right arm.  There was a ductal carcinoma in situ, grade 1 close to my nipple.  The margin of the grade 3 tumor is .5cm from the closest margin.  The insitu lump is .2 cm from the closest margin.

I had a prelimary smmary of the path report after the surgery,which showed the surgeon had removed and had 11 lymph nodes biopsied. What he called a sampling. Out of these only one showed cancer.  I think this is good news, although no cancer in the lymph nodes would have been better.  Can you give me an idea of what stage my cancer would be.  The oncologist, whom I won't see for a couple of weeks said my treatment would be Femara or Arimidex if no lymph nodes were involved.  I'm 72 years old.  If lymph node involvement it would be chemotherapy or radiation.  I'm hoping he'll still go with the first treatment (Femara or Arimidex) since there was only one lymph node involved.  Thank you.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Hope72:  In a case where there is more than one area of cancer, stage is determined by the size of the largest tumor and the presence or absence of positive lymph nodes or other spread.  So, if your largest tumor is less than 2cm and there is one node positive, you are likely a stage IIA.  Treatment would be determined based on this information along with hormone receptor status, her2 neu status, and other information as well as your general health.  In considering treatment, there is always consideration of risk versus benefit.  You will likely benefit from a discussion with your doctor to determine the best treatment options in your situation.