Options before diagnosis

tkejwalker

I have a lump in my right breast that they performed a needle biopsy on three year ago and everything came back benign. However this years tests show the lump has grown and they are now suggesting a surgical biopsy to remove the entire lump and do a full biopsy. I have had very little luck finding information on options before diagnosis. This is technically a lumpectomy, but do I also have the option of a mastectomy? Everything I can find on lumpectomy is after cancer is diagnosed. I have a surgical consult tomorrow and I feel like I am walking in confused and uniformed. I have no idea what to ask.

dtad

Hi there. Technically it would be an excisional biopsy for diagnosis purposes. A lumpectomy would involve taking the lump out and the margins around it to make sure there is no more cancers cells. A mastectomy would never be considered unless you have a definitive cancer diagnosis. Good luck. Keep us posted....

tkejwalker

The way it was explained to me it is a lumpectomy, they will be removing the lump and the margins around it. This is where I get confused, the doctors call it a lumpectomy, the internet calls it an excisional biopsy, still don't really understand what my options are and what to ask.

BookWoman

I think some breast surgeons do what is basically a lumpectomy even if you don't have a cancer diagnosis. I know mine did. If it is cancer and the margins are good, they don't need to go back in. I would think as dtad said they won't do a mastectomy unless you are diagnosed with cancer or are at very high risk--some people who have the BRCA mutation will get a mastectomy even if they have not been diagnosed, but it doesn't sound like that is your situation. As for questions to ask, I would have them explain exactly why hey are doing it and ask if there are any other options.

tkejwalker

So tomorrow is the day. Yesterday they inserted a radioactive marker(seed) in the lump to make sure they can find the right area. Tomorrow they take it out. The doctor says they usually know when they can look at it what it is, but the pathology will be back on Friday. I know that is fairly quick, but it seems like forever. Like most, I am just looking forward to getting this out of my body and knowing what it is. Waiting for answers seems like the hardest part. Can't help but think about all the others who have gone through this and wish there was more I could do to help others. Friday can't come soon enough.

myajames

Sending good vibes.

Moderators

tkejwalker, please let us know how you are!

tkejwalker

Sorry for the delayed response. Everything was good. It was a 1.8 cm Fibroadenoma. Had my surgical follow-up today and everything is healing well. She said there is nothing that makes them think my risk for cancer has increased. I do have to go back in 6 months for a mammogram, but it is just to set a new baseline since the tissue was removed.

Thanks to all for the thoughts and well wishes. Also sending positive thoughts and prayers to all who are still waiting.

Funny how a doctors appointment can turn into a perspective adjustment.