Post MX pathology report concerns

LM525

I got my pathology report after my Lt MX but I noticed it doesn't have some things listed like the oncotype DX . I had multiple tumors 1 was listed as pT2 pN 0-- pM non applicable but when I read on staging my tumor shouldn't have been a stage 2--- the other tumor was pT 1b pN 0 pM non applicable I haven't seen the oncologist yet but from what I read this is incomplete should I call the surgeon or wait to see the oncologist?

SpecialK

Your pathology report is using the TNM staging system, which does not state stage, but rather, it infers stage with the information given.

Your first tumor is pT2pN0pM (non-applicable), in which the small p stands for "surgical pathology" rather than biopsy, T = tumor. The number 2 is for the measurement of the tumor, which is greater than 20mm, but smaller than 50mm. TNM uses its own numerical system for size designation and that number does not denote stage, but size. N= nodes, the 0 means none are affected. M = metastasis, and it says non-applicable because there is no pathological evidence submitted that confirms or denies a distant metastasis.

Your second tumor is pT1bpN0pM (non applicable), so for this one you again have surgical pathology, with a tumor measuring greater than 5mm, but smaller than 10mm, no involved nodes, and no metastasis.

Linked here is the chart that explains the TNM staging system for breast cancer:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2007112-overview?pa=GdFWI5fBIvwvefkvPje6h4GXv71GcK79mzweflNTuslNNFjmJ2GIO2k%2FUAbTIVSTSb4VAMQv7yomebeEPiSDfi%2Fcrw9eFf1IZcB89a2G0qk%3D

Here is the traditional staging system from BCO that will help you determine stage from the TNM info above:

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

Oncotype is a send out test done by only one lab, it never appears on your surgical pathology report. A sample (or possibly in the case of multifocal disease, samples) is sent to Genomic Health after surgery and they perform the Oncotype Dx testing. This can usually take 2-3 weeks to get back after submission.