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.
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We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Facts and Myths about Breast Cancer Questions on the facts and myths of breast cancer. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 5/21/2012 | i had a core biopsy done on a nodule the doctor did NOT think would be cancer but it is. i read your other answers to the woman questioning whether malignant cells pulled through the needle track could spread cancer but i would like more information as to why it would not. obviously if i am at a very early stage, i would rather avoid chemo/radiation. would i need to have that JUST because the method of biopsying could have moved malignant cells into my system? please explain in further detail. and if hypothetically possible why is not something to be concerned about? thanks you. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 5/21/2012 | cancer cells don't travel based on being "placed" there through the results of a biopsy. it instead travels via the blood stream and lymphatic vessels. it is important to surgically remove the tumor with a healthy margin of tissue around it. radiation does usually follow lumpectomy and in some cases also chemotherapy. but take this a step at a time and meet withou a breast surgeon to discuss surgery. | ||
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.

