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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Metastatic Breast Cancer Questions about advanced metastatic breast cancer. |
2,606 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16/2012 | Diagnosed in 12/10 with metastatic breast disease in lytic lesion (T10) on bone. Current pathology (12/11) report indicates "stable metatatic disease and the lesion is sclerotic. What does sclerotic mean? Initially diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer in 2006. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 1/16/2012 | What does it mean that a lesion is sclerotic? Well, generally, it means that it is due to a fairly slow-growing process. Bone reacts to its environment in two ways -- either by removing some of itself or by creating more of itself. If the disorder it is reacting to is rapidly progressive, there may only be time for retreat (defense). If the process is slower growing, then the bone may have time to mount an offense and try to form a sclerotic area around the offender. It is especially good to see the word "stable" as the descriptor for the metastatic cancer found in your bones. we hope that treatment continues to maintain control of this disease, like a chronic illness, and that you are also enjoying quality of life. Johns Hopkins conducts special retreats for women with metastatic breast cancer. To obtain more information about these free programs (patients do need to provide their own transportation to attend) just email dstewa24@jhmi.edu | ||
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.