what is a breast neoplasm NOS?? having surgery tomorrow

avidhunter3

I went today thinking I would come away either reasured or more worried. I am having a lumpectomy tomorrow for the breast duct (bleeding), the DR. seemed to think all was ok, although he said there is  still a small chance of cancer. but on the paperwork, it said breast neoplasm NOS. can anyone tell me what that means? the only reason I am concerned is because the nurse in outpatient told that meant cancer but the DR didnt mention that at all. I made the comment when she was telling me what to expect ect., that I didnt really want to do it. Her reply was "well you have no choice since its cancer". Im like OK, the DR said he didnt think it was. she said that neoplasm was cancer?? so is it or isnt it?? anyways, I am having a lumpectomy tomorrow, but I am just confused.  any help??

thanks

beth

Anonymous

Neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue as a result of neoplasia. Neoplasia (new growth in Greek) is the abnormal proliferation of cells. The growth of this clone of cells exceeds, and is uncoordinated with, that of the normal tissues around it. It usually causes a lump or tumor.

A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks all three of the malignant properties of a cancer. Thus, by definition, a benign tumor does not grow in an unlimited, aggressive manner, does not invade surrounding tissues, and does not metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.

The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease, and indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to the health. However, some neoplasms which are defined as 'benign tumors' because they lack the invasive properties of a cancer, may still produce negative health effects. Examples of this include tumors which produce a "mass effect" (compression of vital organs such as blood vessels), or "functional" tumors of endocrine tissues, which may overproduce certain hormones (examples include thyroid adenomas, adrenocortical adenomas, and pituitary adenomas).

Benign tumors typically are encapsulated, which inhibits their ability to behave in a malignant manner. Nonetheless, many types of benign tumors have the potential to become malignant and some types, such as teratoma, are notorious for this.

NOS--Not otherwise specified.

This is what I've been able to "google" and try to explain to you on my own. Hope it doesnt confuse you anymore.

In my case, the final biopsy report after the lumpectomy (lumpectomy is removal of the entire mass and with margins that are free of cancer. (This is what you have after they already know you have cancer proven at biopsy), was Invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma NOS. Which means that it wasn't of a specific type or subtype, it was just garden variety breast cancer.

I would be on the phone an talking to the doctor about this report. Is this a pathology report from the pathology department? The nurse shouldnt be telling you anything unless the doctor has fully discussed this with you, in my opinion. I pray for all to be ok.. hugs.

sweatyspice

I think peachy is trying to say that they know there's some sort of mass (neoplasm) but they don't know what it is, or whether or not it's cancerous, yet (NOS - not specified).  I think you should ask your Dr. to make sure, but my hunch is the nurse who told you it was cancer is a jerk

avidhunter3

I am so thankful its over, it wasnt nearly as bad as i thought it would be, I am really sore and my boob is swelled up double the normal size, but overall it went well. My DR said he thinks all is ok, but wont know for sure until patho comes back. any recommendations on getting the swelling down??

zazy

Just had a duct excision for spontaneous nipple discharge.  I found that the travel size neck pillows are good for easing the discomfort.  It keeps your arm from brushing against the tender areas.  If you can find one with a gel pack its even better.  Place it under and around your breast kinda like you are carrying a football.  It helps.  I also read cabbage leaves alleviate the pain and swelling as well.  I tried that too and its a little better certainly no worse.  Thanks for the neoplasm reference.  I saw benign neoplasm on my paperwork and didn't have a clue.

NativeMainer

neoplasm NOS is part of the medical coding system used for medical billing.  NOS means No Other Symptom or Not Otherwise Specified, depending on the situation. 

It's not unusual for a doctor to use a neoplasm code when scheduling a test or procedure.  There are few problems with insurance rejecting a claim for anything labeled neoplasm, and when the reason for a procedure or test is "neoplasm" it gets higher priority in scheduling than "possible neoplasm"  or "rule out neoplasm."  It's unfortunate that billing codes have such an impact on scheduling and billing because of situations like yours.  The nurse probably only saw the scheduling form, and doesn't have access to the rest of the info and so is making an incorrect assumption.  

Try not to worry too much until you can speak with your doc again.  Our health care system has put so much control in the hands of the insurance companies that we have to play games with the coding to get things done in a timely manner, including trying to diagnose a problem before we get the info the doc needs to make a definitive diagnosis.  

Marlene1217

after my lumpectomy, maybe 3-4 days my breast swelled up like a ballon and the pain was unbearable.

I had to be operated again.  Something about a vein.  I was given morphine constantly until I was operated on.