BIRAD 5 (3.41cm.) Wait. on Biopsy Results

warriorprincess1

The BIRAD 5, spiculated mass, 3.41cm, lobular margins, architecural distortion, but no apparent lymph node involvement on US, is freaking me out. I had an US guided core biopsy last wed. and waiting for results. I'm afraid that the BIRAD 5 indicates a late stage cancer. Can size indicate that? I feel fine--had no idea I had a problem until part of my areola was retracting. I immediately scheduled a mamm./US two days later and was told I needed a biopsy, which I just had. If anyone has any insight as to the correlation between staging and size of mass let me know, please?

Thanks.

ElaineTherese

No, Birad 5 merely means highly suspicious for cancer. It doesn't tell you anything about the stage. Breast cancer is considered early stage from stage IA to stage IIIA. BosumBlues is right; no apparent lymph node involvement is a good thing, though the only way to be sure is via surgery. The same is true for staging, to some extent. ((Hugs))

Renata

Warriorprincess, I'm so sorry you're going through this...BIRADS 5 only means that they're pretty certain it's not benign, but the fact that there seems to be no node lymph involvement is a really good sign that it is contained and 3.41 is not definitely large. It's a lot to process but try to stay calm and not freak out, fear is the worse counselor and you'll have to make decisions in the upcoming days.

Best of luck.

Moderators

Warrior, welcome to Breastcancer.org!

As Bosomblues pointed out, the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Staging explains how a cancer is staged due to size and other aspects of the cancer.

We hope this helps. Please let us know what else you find out! We're all here for you.

--The Mods

warriorprincess1

Thank you all for your responses. It really helps, as you probably already know:) God Bless,

warriorprincess1

warriorprincess1

I just received news from pathology--Grade II, IDC which began as DCIS in the milk glands. If the radiologist is correct about not seeing lymph node involvement it is a Stage II; however, if during surgery they find lymph node involvement it will be stage III. I meet with the surgeon tomorrow. The results for the ER/PR/HER aren't back yet. I guess that will determine if I have to take chemotherapy.

Any good news in this? I could use the positivity right now:(

warriorprincess1

ElaineTherese

The good news is that you have early stage breast cancer, which is highly treatable. Whether or not you have chemo may depend on your HER2 results or an Oncotype Test if you are estrogen positive, HER2-. Also, if you are triple negative, you will probably get chemo. Otherwise, just remember that your prognosis is very good. About 95% of women diagnosed at Stage II are still here after five years.

warriorprincess1

Again, thank you SO much for your input. It means a lot right now. I see the surgeon tomorrow.

Have a good night-Warriorprincess 1

mustlovepoodles

What BosumBlues said. This really IS the worst part. Once you have more information and can get a plan in place you will feel much more in control. There are a lot of factors that determine whether chemo is on-board. I hope you don't need it, but if you do just know that you can get through it. It's not fun, but it's doable. Don't put your cart before the horse though--there is a good chance that you won't need it at all. Most women can be treated with surgery, anti-hormonal pills, and 6-7 weeks of radiation.

Renata

Crossing fingers for it stays grade II and no chemo needed....

Gentle hugs Warriorprincess

warriorprincess1

Hi Friends,

I met with the surgeon and he further explained the pathology report--ER/PR+, HER2 borderline and being sent backto lab for FISH test to determine definitive reading. I'm hoping it comes back negative. The surgeon suspects stage II if we continue to see no lymph node involvement. Lymphatic and vascularity came back absent. If this IDC remains stage II and HER2- my prayers would be answered. I would only require lumpectomy with lymph node tests and radiation with pills.

Hugs and thanks for being there, too,

Warriorprincess1

Renata

Hi Warriorprincess,

That's really encouraging...

Hugs and prayers.