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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Margins for BCS
Answered by
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.
Margins for BCS
by Jordymom, Mar 09, 2008 08:06PM
I have bilateral intermediate grade DCIS (1.5 cm on left, .5 cm on right). After a number of surgeries I have +1cm margin on right, but around 2mm margin on the left. On the right I have ADH transected at the specimen. On both right and left I have plenty of other proliferative changes including atypical lobular hyperplasia, more ADH, cysts, adenosis, fibroadenoma, etc.
I am preparing for bilateral radiation but concerned over the margin on left and remaining ADH on right. I am 48 and the DCIS is ER and PR positive, so I would take Tamoxifen.
Am I at an increased risk of local recurrence based on 2 mm margin, my age (premenopausal) or known ADH remaining in breast or does the whole breast radiation take care of these issues (well, except for the age)?
Thanks.
I am preparing for bilateral radiation but concerned over the margin on left and remaining ADH on right. I am 48 and the DCIS is ER and PR positive, so I would take Tamoxifen.
Am I at an increased risk of local recurrence based on 2 mm margin, my age (premenopausal) or known ADH remaining in breast or does the whole breast radiation take care of these issues (well, except for the age)?
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Mar 10, 2008 09:32AM
, Mar 10, 2008 09:32AM
Dear Jordymom: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia is not cancer. However, it is frequently associated with the development of cancer. The criteria for clean margins can vary from institution to institution but 1mm is often considered a clean margin. So, in theory, if all the DCIS is removed and there is no invasive cancer, radiation should reduce the risk for local recurrence. Tamoxifen is given to help prevent more breast cancer from developing.
Are you speaking from experience??
I would be interested in your story.
Thanks!