Lumpectomy pathology report

mlo69

I had my lumpectomy on Friday.  I spoke with my surgeon today and he says that he got clear margins.  He took the sentinel and one other node and the report states that I am 'node negative'.  He said that there was a single cluster of cancer cells (less than 200 cells) in a node.  He said that they consider this as reading that the nodes were negative and I would be Stage one.  He also noted that my tumor was very well differentiated.  I am totally confused. 

bluepearl

Well differential tumor cells means grade 1, less aggressive and micri-invasion of a node is considered negative unless the cancer shows a very aggressive profile which yours doesn't. Clear margins are good. Now for the hormonal status, Ki67, Her2....if hormonal + your next best friend is tamoxifen. With well differentiated cells, you have a very good prognosis...so relax a bit.

mlo69

Thanks bluepearl!! I am ER/PR+ and HER2-. I guess I wanted the chemo decision to be made for me based on the pathology. Now it feels like it might be a gray area.

Eileen0417

I have been reading that many with cancer cells in a node/s are being classified as negative nodes. This troubles me. If the cancer makes it to a node then it could be else where in your body. That is what i have been told.