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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
reexcision, matectomy or neither
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
reexcision, matectomy or neither
by Callygraphcs, Jan 22, 2008 10:19AM
What to do? Had lumpectomy 6 days ago after neoadjuvant chemo. Because Her2neu diag. changed from pos. to neg after 3 rounds Abraxane, Carboplatin, Hercep., just did one add. round Abrax. only. Pos node w/needle biospy. After chemo/lumpectomy & SNB: 3 nodes neg. Surprise in tumor size= 6.2 (thought it was 1.5). ER, PR +. Margins: 3 sides clear; 2 sides <1mm; one side .5 mm. What do these close margins indicate for treatment for 1.survival, 2. recurrence, 3. cosmetics?
I have always expected at the least, radiation. HELP please! thanks.
I have always expected at the least, radiation. HELP please! thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jan 22, 2008 02:01PM
, Jan 22, 2008 02:01PM
Dear Callygraphcs, In general, surgeons prefer a margin of normal tissue surrounding the area of concern of at least 1 millimeter or 0.1 cm. Other information is also taken into account when determining the adequacy of the surgical margin such as types of cells found at the margin (DCIS vs. invasive cancer), the context of the surgery being done etc. Radiation to remaining breast tissue is usual part of treatment following a lumpectomy. Formal consultation with a medical oncologist as well as your surgeon would be best to address recommendations specific to your individual case.
