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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Questions to ask to ensure you are in good hands Questions on what to ask to make sure your in good hands. |
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| 12/22/2011 | Hi, A friend of mine, 44, was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in situ, non-invasive, by needle biopsy. Had a partial mastectomy. MRI, prior to mastectomy showed no residual disease. Pathology of breast tissue from mastectomy was negative for disease. Her surgeon and oncologist are both recommending Radiation therapy and Hormone therapy. Question: Does she need those two therapies? Can she avoid hormone therapy in her situation, as she is worried about the side-effects. Thank you | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 12/22/2011 | To determine these types of decisions truly requires a consultation. If however someone has stage 0 breast cancer and did mastectomy surgery then it is unusual to do radiation. hormonal therapy is given usually for DCIS that is ER positive. the purpose being to protect the other breast. she needs consultation with a medical oncologist next.the medical oncologist can tell her if the tumor is hormone receptor positive or not as well as calculate for her the degree of reduction of risk she would receive by taking tamoxifen. | ||
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.