Pathology Report

Nina27

hello,

Please can some one have a look at my report... I just want to know how "good" or "bad" it is.

Nina27

here is the second page.

vbishop

You really need to see your surgeon or oncologist. What little I can see, it appears that you have Grade 3 IDC and DCIS, with possible lymph node involvement. Hormone receptors play a big role in treatment options; this information is not listed.

Grade 3 is more aggressive, so you don't want to dilly dally. But there is no need to panic either. Still too many unknowns. Your oncologist will probably want the surgeon to do a sentinel node biopsy to see just how many lymph nodes are involved. The oncologist may also want to do a PET scan or MRI as a precaution. Once all the tests are done and results are in, your medical team can develop a treatment plan.

Sorry your are having to go through all this. The first few weeks are a bit crazy, with all the tests, doctor appointments, waiting on results, and the anxiety of the unknown. I promise...it will get better. I think this time is the hardest. Once the treatment plan is in place and started, things will calm down. Many feel a sense of peace, loaded with information and action!

Best of luck. Let us know how we can help!

BarredOwl

Hi Nlunn27:

I am sorry about your diagnosis. I agree the main finding is at least 1.5 cm of infiltrating or invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (grade 3). As is quite common, there is some associated ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (grade 3), which is a form of non-invasive breast cancer confined to the inside of the ducts.

Additional pathology tests will be done on the IDC to determine its estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status. The ER and PR status of the DCIS will probably also be determined.

Due to the presence of invasive disease (IDC), a sentinel node biopsy ("SNB") will be recommended to determine whether there has been any spread to the regional axillary (underarm) lymph nodes or not.

Treatments will depend largely on the features of the IDC, including size, lymph node status (to be determined), ER, PR, and HER2 status, although other factors and test results may also be considered.

It appears that you had an incisional biopsy of breast tissue only. I see no indication of "possible lymph node involvement" as noted by the first reply. Instead, what was observed was "lymphatic invasion by tumour", based on the observation that "Lymphatic channels contained foci of tumour." In my layperson's understanding, this is not an indication of any regional node involvement (which remains to be assessed by sentinel node biopsy). Instead it indicates some local vascular or lymphatic system invasion, also referred to as "lymphovascular invasion" or "LVI" (in this case, of lymph channels). You can find a brief explanation of it here, where it is clearly stated that it is not a finding of lymph node involvment:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/vas...

Please confirm all information above with your breast surgeon, to ensure receipt of accurate expert advice regarding the findings.

You'll find a lot of information and support here.

BarredOwl