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!
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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| 8/18/2011 | My mom and grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Mom was 52 and Grandmother 39. I was recently diagnosed with IDC Stg2 (until mri results)..they wanted to give me a dbl mastectomy..both radiologist and surgeon. After stero. bio., the surgeon now wants just lumpectomy?? Why the change of mind after being so sure?? My tumor is 3.3cm..was misdiagnosed a year ago as the mammo did not see it. Thanks for any help... | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 8/19/2011 | Several things in motion here: 1)Genetic counseling and testing should be done in light of your recent diagnosis, and your family history. For many women, if they test positive for the BRCA gene, recommendations for their surgery might change, such as electing to have bilateral mastectomy and even ovaries removed. 2) Seek a second opinion at a Comprehensive Breast Center where you will be evaluated by a multidiscipliary team of breast cancer experts, such as breast surgical oncologist, breast radiation oncologist, breast medical oncologist and breast plastic reconstructive surgeon. Not all hospitals perform complex reconstructions, and if you need/elect for mastectomy, you will want the best for your reconstruction. 3)Lumpectomy with radiation is equal to mastectomy in terms of overall survival. So many women consider 'how important' to them to conserve their own breast vs not, and also consider that in mastectomy nipple sensation would be gone. Of course if women need a mastectomy, then they do. 4) while you may think tumor was 'misdiagnosed, in reality mammograms are only screening aids, and are limited by what they 'see'..so tumor may not have been visable by ammamogram a year ago. The wonderful thing is that you have been going for yeraly screening mammograms, which are so important, as they pick up abnormalities not seen the year before. If we can help, we would be happy to see you here @ JHH Breast Center. Call Sheila @ 443-287- BRST (2778)for an appointment as soon as next week. Best wishes! | ||
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