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
Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History
Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer.
555 Ask a Question

AskedPublicly Submitted Question
11/16/2011Thank you for your fast reply. Since writing, she received the path report which said "within the epidermis and papillary dermis, there are small nests and cords of cells, some of which are arranged as small glands around a central lumen. Many of the cells have enlarged vesicular nuclei with conspicuous nucleoli and moderate amounts of pale staining cytoplasm." The diagnosis is listed as Paget's Disease, Invasive, and the gross description is 2x2x5 MM. She hears what "her breasts are telling her", as you put it, and is expecting to be told to have double mastectomy and chemo. Right now she doesn't want to do reconstruction. She's 73 and in good health otherwise. Why didn't her chemo (I forget protocol but it was termed "chemo light" by the oncologist) eradicate the Paget's? And since the Paget's is called invasive, does this mean there is a tumor that didn't show up in imaging? Finally, what are her expected 5 and 10 year outcomes? I think this will factor into her decision about doing reconstruction or not.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
11/16/2011Each patient is unique, each cancer is unique, and thus treatment is complex and individualized. So we would be happy to consult with her as a second opinion if desired, to be able to address specific, detailed questions. Please call Sheila @ 443-287-BRST for guidance on scheduling. Certainly her own breast medical oncologist would be most familiar with her case and would be happy as well to answer your questions in detail. It's difficult in this forum to go into such depth. Sincerely, best wishes.

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.