Ask an Expert: View a Question
 
 
 
 

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!

ForumQuestionsAsk a Question
Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy
Questions about Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy.
883 Ask a Question

AskedPublicly Submitted Question
2/26/2011Please help, I have to make very hard decision. On 2008 breast biopsy shows benign fibroadenomas. But I found the lump on June 2010 and get exisional biopsy on 1/24/11. They found invasive mucinous carcinoma with micropapillary pattern on my left breast with size of 3.2 x 2.5 x 1.5 cm. Margins positive laterallity. Histologic grade: grade 3 (8-9 points)- Grand/tubule differentialtion: 3 (10% tubules)- Nuclear pleomorphism: 3- Mitotic Count: 2. Estrogen receptors: score = 100% (positive)Progesterone receptors: score = 100% (positive)HER2NEU: score 1+ (negative). They also found three tiny abnormal spots on my right breast by MRI, following by ultrasound. They believe that all of that are benign. I have to choice: do lumpectomy or a double mastectomy. Please help I think about a double mastectomy even though I know the risk of recurrence is not quite different.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
2/26/2011The mission is clear margins. lumpectomy with radiation is equal to mastectomy from a survival perspective. There is a higher recurrence rate locally within the breast tissue of course if lumpectomy is done (10-15% risk) however even if it recurs in the breast survival rate remains equal as if you had originally done mastectomy. The size of the tumor is generous. not sure of amount of breast volume you have. If you are well endowed then cosmetic results may look okay with lumpectomy. if not that large breasted than mastectomy with reconstruction may serve you better. for women without a breast cancer gene, risk of breast cancer in general in the opposite breast is about 5%. some women opt to do bilateral mastectomies to avoid mammograms and to dramatically reduce risk of local recurrence in the future. it is a personal choice decision. you are welcome to come to us to think this through more. 443-287-2778. if looking at mastectomy it should be skin sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.

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.

 
 
 
 
 

© The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System, All rights reserved.