Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Radiation Therapy Questions about Radiation Therapy. |
1,341 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/02/2003 | I have been diagnosed with invasive DCIS and have had 3 excisions to get clear margins but the last one was only 2MM clear. Is that sufficient to proceed with Radiation or should I go in for another surgery for a clearer margin. My surgeon at this point recommends mescectomy but I do not want one. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 01/07/2003 | hhhmm. This is a good case for a tumor board to review. If the center where you are receiving your care is accredited as a cancer center, then they have a tumor board for breast cancer at least weekly to have all the doctors meet and review cases for this specific purpose so ask about that. The radiation oncologist needs to advise you of his/her comfort level in proceeding with radiation. Usually 2 mms is sufficient but in some cases it is not. So meet with the radiation oncologist to discuss it and consider getting a second opinion from another surgical oncologist at another breast center before embarking on mastectomy. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.