How Can They Tell.

[Stayj]

Another Question I Have Is If My Mass Is Large. how Can They Tell All The Area Is Benign??? 8 CM Is Pretty Large. How Do They Know That The Areas They Did Not Biopsy Are Okay??? Is The Biopsy Really That Accurare??

[madgeOwens]

If they think it is suspicious after doing a biopsy, as in finding atypical (abnormal) cells then they may want to do a Lumpectomy to get a larger amount of tissue to biopsy.  If it is large you will have that amount of tissue missing from inside your breast there will be a sunken area I would think. I just had a small lumpectomy and as the swelling is going away I am now noticing a dipping in of my breast, and I think mine was rather small.  As far as appearance of your breast thats a personal choice. They have prosthetics to insert into bra or plastic surgery. In my case I am old enough that I don't mind a thing since it al turned out ok. Good luck to you.

[Stayj]

Insight Would Be Greatly Appriciated!!!!!!

[Stayj]

Are There Any more Mds That HAve An Opinion On This??

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Your concern in quite valid.  for large tumors, it is very hard to totally rule out a cancer even if a local biopsy result shows a benign tumor.  The doctor may have to rely on other tests such as an MRI or mammogram to look for other signs of cancer.  It is also possible that you discuss with your doctors regarding having the entire tumor removed and submitted as a whole to the pathologist, but this would require a major loss of breast tissue.

I believe that tumors this large are really at high risk of harboring cancer, and I suggest you pursue this further with your doctor.

Regards.