No idea WHAT I have exactly

Trvler

I keep reading my path report trying to figure out which type of cancer I have so I know which forum to read but I can't really figure it out. I am just finding it hard to focus. Can anyone help? I know I am ER and PR + and HER - but what type of cancer is this? Also, the final diagnosis said the tumor was 2.9 CM.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS:

Left breast mass at 3:00, ultrasound guided needle core biopsy:
- Invasive mammary adenocarcinoma. See comment.
Cores involved: All three cores
Greatest extent in
biopsy core: 1.1 cm
Estimated grade: 1-2
Associated In-situ
carcinoma: present, limited, focal area pleomorphic lobular
carcinoma in situ
This case underwent intradepartmental quality assurance review.

COMMENT:

Properly controlled immunostains for p120 and E-cadherin are
performed. Most invasive carcinoma stains positive for p120 (lobular
epithelial marker) and negative for E-cadherin (ductal epithelial
marker). The in situ carcinoma shows mixed p1
20 and E-cadherin stain
pattern.
BREAST CARCINOMA PROGNOSTIC STUDIES
Results for: Left breast tumor
ESTROGEN RECEPTOR
Percentage of tumor staining: 51-100%
Intensity of staining: Strong
INTERPRETATION: POSITIVE
External control: Adequate
Internal control: Not present
PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR
Percentage of tumor staining: 51-100%

Intensity of staining: Strong
INTERPRETATION: POSITIVE
External control: Adequate
Internal control: Not present
HER2 IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY
Percentage of tumor staining: 0%
Staining pattern: No staining
INTERPRETATION: NEGATIVE (0)
Controls: Staining as expected

mdg

Looks like you are estrogen and progesterone positive and Her2 negative.  That is the most common type of BC.  I have that too.

 

IllinoisNancy

It says you have pleomorphic Lobular carcinoma in situ. That is not a bad kind to have. The in situ indicates the cancer is confined to one lump and has not spread or become invasive. Pleomorphic is just the kind of cells. People used to say it was bad but it really is just like all the others...just a different shape. Lobular means it is in the lobes and not the ducs. I would say that they caught it early and with some treatment, you will be fine. The fact that you are ER+, PR+ HER- is all good too. Try and relax and remember it is all treatable.

Trvler

Thank you, Nancy. So is this LCIS? Why does it say that is not really cancer in some places?

I was doing pretty well until I saw the results of the MRI that it had gotten into a couple of nodes including one that was labeled 'no fatty hilum' which is bad apparently. I am trying not to worry until I get the surgery and will know more. But in my original consult, my surgeon said chemo is unlikely and he wouldn't say that when I talked to him briefly this am. That kind of freaked me out. And then thinking about taking hormones for 5 years…it's all a lot to take in in such a short period. Thanks for your information.

TB90

I am reading this as invasive cancer along with LCIS.  Sorry.  Please go over these findings with a medical professional so that you get accurate information about your dx.  It is so easy for us to make a mistake as we are not medical doctors here.  In fact, I am very nervous even stating this much, but do not want you going down the completely wrong path.  Hope others with much more knowledge than I come along here quickly.  ((((hugs)))))

daisylover

Your treatment plan regarding chemo should probably be determined after surgery?? Node involvement (determined by Sentinel Node Biopsy) will probably be a factor in determining whether to do chemo. Has your Medical Oncologist proposed doing an OncotypeDX test? They request that after surgery, and it can be helpful in answering the chemo question. I would ask for the test, which is applied to node positive patients as well now.

http://breast-cancer.oncotypedx.com/en-US/Managed-...

Hopefully your surgery will be scheduled soon, allowing you to make decisions and move on with treatment. The stress diminishes when you are able to start treatment!

Trvler

Thank you. Actually, the final diagnosis has the tumor at 2.9 cm.

No word on the Oncotype test yet but I don't have an oncologist yet.

My surgeon was telling me how there is a paradigm shift happening now regarding the sentinel node biopsy and unless there are so many nodes involved, the risks are outweighing the benefits? I think that's what he said. This is all a big confusing blur to me. I don't know how all of you are so knowledgeable. I read every day but I still feel so clueless.

Trvler

Kayb: I see what you are saying now. Thanks for your interpretation!

daisylover

I bring someone with me to every appointment if possible. While they take notes, I am freed up to listen and ask questions. It's also really helpful to have a second set of ears listening - I have mis-heard or misunderstood due to nerves... I think that you will be amazed at how much you learn in a short time. I like kayb's suggestion of recording the discussion because there's no fear of missing information - unless you forget to start the recording! (that would be me...) kayb always has very well-educated and thoughtful posts.

Maybe your surgeon was discussing the Axillary Node Dissection, which would involve taking more nodes? This website, BCO, has a description of the Sentinel Node Biopsy:

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lymp...

Most of my discomfort after surgery was related to the node removal. It might be helpful to know in advance whether your surgeon will do SNB. Knowing won't change your procedure, though. Will you meet with your medical oncologist after surgery? You will learn a lot from that post-surgery pathology report and meeting. Hang in there. The low grade estimate is encouraging!

Woodylb

Trvlr,

It seems according to your pathology report that you have invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and lobular carcinoma in-situ (local not invasive yet) . But of course you will have to check out an onco surgeon and an oncologist before you make any decision. Don't panick and remember it is treatable. Hugs.