Tumor size increased after biopsy

2tonTony

My mother had an abnormal mammo in Oct. 2012 that showed a 1cm mass. Follow-up ultrasound 2 months later reports a 1cm mass in the same location. It was followed up again in 6 months and still showed a 1cm mass. Biopsy reported IDC. So over the course of 8-9 months it remained the same size.

Biopsy reports IDC, Grade 1, no mitosis. Breast MRI was completed for other possible lesions after swelling and bruising went away. We haven't met with the BS to discuss the results yet but the radiologist told the onco that there is now a 2cm mass at the biopsy site, but no lymph nodes involved. I'm REALLY worried; can't eat, can't sleep, can't work.

All the doctors we've consulted with prior to the MRI seemed very optimistic about her treatment. And all said it was a clinical stage 1. It didn't increase in size over a 9-month period, so why after the biopsy? Could the increase in size be due to scar tissue? Praying that it is.

Any information is much appreciated.

Tony

kika2013

Tony--I can't say if this is your situation, but in my case, a sonogram found my tumor, which was .8mm, everyone was very optimistic, etc. They sent me for an MRI which, like your mother, showed a larger area. They were able to tell me, though, that the larger area was almost certainly made up of DCIS, or non-invasive cancer. It is my understanding that DCIS can be hard to see on a sonogram. They referred to the larger area as an area of "enhancement" around the original tumor--perhaps you can ask someone for greater detail in the explanation of size to see if this is also the case for your mother? It can be hard to ask the right questions--the ones that will put your mind at ease--at the start because all the terminology is unfamiliar and because you are stressed and under pressure. In any case, the DCIS did nothing to change anyone's optimism about my situation (I think it did bump my stage from 1a to 1b just because the DCIS added size, but did nothing to change the prognosis of the cancer itself). I am post-lumpectomy and radiation and my prognosis is excellent. The invasive portion of the cancer was exactly the size they originally saw on the sonogram, no larger. I hope the same will be true for your mother and that this post might help you get the information you need.

dlb823

Tony, my guess is that the increase in size is due to different imaging techniques. While not always the case, it's not at all uncommon for the estimated size of a lesion to change from the initial imaging to the biopsy to surgery, often depending on how it's positioned. If the 2cm size is from the MRI, it's most likely more accurate because it's picking up the depth, for example, which could be longer than the surface area. 2 cm is still considered relatively small, so while initially disappointing, it's still nothing to be alarmed about.

I totally understand why you're stressed and worried, but don't let this throw you. I wish all docs would simply tell us up front that information can change in the diagnosing process, so that when it does, it wouldn't be quite so worrisome. Your Mom's docs should be able to reassure you and her re. this change. Deanna

2tonTony

Kika and Deanna, thank you ladies for your responses.

Mom had another ultrasound of the right breast (after the MRI) and the already diagnosed IDC measured about 1cm. MRI report actually measured it at 1.7cm. This may be attributable to the different imaging as Deanna mentioned. Completely forgot to ask the doctors for a reason.

What the MRI failed to identify was two lesions on mom's left breast. Her BS told the radiologist to look carefully because prior sonograms ID'ed two lesions. Sure enough, they were still there and were biopsied. Now mom has been diagnosed with IDC (1.7cm) on the right and multifocal ILC (1.5 and .4cm) on the left. This sucks!

She is scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy on 11/13. Praying all goes well with no nodes involved. BS says her prognosis is excellent at 95-98%.

Now we wait for surgery day. Wishing you all the very best.