My 36 sister just diagnosed. Confusion as to what type.

marcal

Hello everyone. What a wonderful resource this website is. Thank you for allowing me to join

My 36 year old sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She has a 13mm tumor and also a DCIS in the same breast. Both were removed via surgery last week. She was told today that there are a few cells in the first lymph node they took but the rest of the lymph nodes are clear. Apparently this puts her at stage 2A breast cancer.

The problem is that two pathologist have looked at her biopsy and can't figure out if it's lobular or ductal. Does anyone know if this is a common finding? I just feel so sick about it all.

Thank you in advance for any information.

dtad

Hi there. So sorry about your sister's diagnosis but welcome to the forum. I know you will find it both comforting and informative. I have never heard about not being able to differentiate between ILC and ICD but....I know you can get a second opinion. Preferably at a different facility. I also think its important to be at a university based teaching hospital. Good luck to you guys and keep us posted...

Beatmon

The oncologist needs to send slides to an NCI (National Cancer Institute) for a second opinion. I'm surprised they didn't do it automatically if there was a question.

BarredOwl

Hi Marcal:

In unusual or more specialized cases, a second opinion is an excellent idea. Per the above recommendations, here is the list of "NCI-designated cancer centers" in the United States, which are very good options for second opinion review:

http://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find

One can arrange for a second opinion review of pathology slides only. Optionally, one may choose to seek a review of all imaging, pathology results (biopsy, surgery), including ER, PR and HER2 test results, and related reports, and obtain a second opinion regarding treatment options. Even if one must travel a bit, I think it is worth tapping into the available expertise (confirm covered by insurance and in-network), even if one ultimately chooses to receive actual treatment closer to home.

Here is a section from the main site about the second opinion process, possible scope and timing options. There are multiple sections (see bottom of page or menu at left):

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/second_opinion

Best wishes,

BarredOwl