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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Questions to ask to ensure you are in good hands Questions on what to ask to make sure your in good hands. |
1,753 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/10/2012 | I am 63 years old and I have had a lumpectomy. The pathology report showed 0.7-1.1 cm foci of invasive ductal carcinoma. I have decided to have a simple mastectomy.Does this sound like a good edcision? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/10/2012 | Doing more surgery doesn't mean a higher survival rate if that is the goal you are seeking-- a higher survival rate. First, if the cancer is limited to one tumor (unclear since the measurement was given with a "-" in it) then lumpectomy is reasonable to do. the mission for breast cancer surgery is clear margins. if clear margins were already achieved them your surgery is done. If clear margins not achieved then re-assessing whether re-excision is feasible would be the next step. how many margins are positive, ws MRI done preop to confirm only one tumor. Is the residual DCIS or invasive cells. all of these questions factor into the next step. Sentinel node biopsy is needed if not done at time of lumpectomy too. Mastectomy is a bigger operation with the primary benefit for women with stagge 1 breast cancer being able to skip the need for radiation. Radiation today is quite safe however and enables women to preserve their breast. If you want to come to us for consultation about re-excision vs mastectomy you are welcome to do so. 443-287-2778. | ||
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.