Mucinous Carcinoma - Lumpectomy or Mastectomy?

LittBelt

Hi, i have been diagnosed w/ mucinous carcinoma and was told that it was ironically a good type of cancer. This article said - Even though mucinous carcinoma is an invasive breast cancer, it tends to be a less aggressive type that responds well to treatment. Mucinous carcinoma is less likely to spread to the lymph nodes than other types of breast cancer...so if that is the case, will an 8cm mass be better removed to via lumpectomy or mastectomy? Please advice..

tessieb1904

LittBelt , is yours the pure or mixed type?  I do not know what mine is yet, only been told mucinous carcinoma which was found through aspiration.  So you haven't been told yet what surgery is recommended for you?  My doctor told me the same, that this is a better kind of cancer to have and that typically it is treated by lumpectomy....typically.  From reading on this site, many have had mastectomies.  My mass is 5.7 cm, I get my results and meet with the surgeon on December 21st.  I see now that your message was written in September.  Please let us know how things turned out for you.  Wishing you all the best!

LittBelt

hi tessie,

I had mastectomy on my left breast last september after having had 5 opinions from different doctors who are all saying the same diagnosis, and after surgery it was down to 5.5cm actual size. Though still large it is still more than 5cm hence I have to go thru 33 days radiation therapy and hormone therapy for 5 years. I’m now on my 22nd day and now having burn scars issues in my armpit, w/c i was prescribed silver sulfadine cream. Now why did i chose mastectomy, well i think if it is as big as mine that is a better option coz some areas around it w/ spread out cancer cells would be removed as well, so recurrence would be minimal if not nil. Just trying to positive in my journey and looking forward to finish my rad treatment after xmas cheers!

Bosombuddy101

Hey fellow mucinous carcinoma gals,

there is a very large group of us in a thread dedicated to mucinous carcinoma --mixed and pure. ;-) You'll find a wealth of information 60 pages long, so it will keep you busy. I wanted to add that despite the large size of your tumors, because of the mucinous component to the tumor, the actual tumor itself is generally much smaller. Unfortunately, I don't know by what percentage. Most doctors are not aware of this because mucinous carcinoma is so rare. My tumor was over 90% mucinous with some DCIS.

LittBelt

thank you bossombuddy for your reply, may I ask what was the thread title sowe can check it out...cheers!!

Bosombuddy101

Hey LittBelt,

I've saved the link to my favorites so anytime someone posts I get an update. The link is here:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/137/topic...

tessieb1904

Thank you Littbelt for your feedback.  I think I am also going to opt to have mastectomy, due to the size.  I have read that tumour size in compared to your actual breast size, can be a factor.  So for me, the tumour is practically 80% of if so that says it all.  

What is your radiation schedule like?  Daily?  I have no idea what is done, you mentioned being on day 22 out of 33.  I sure feel for you having burns and all.  I cannot imagine what that must be like.  Keep positive.  Wishing you all the best and a very Merry Christmas!

LittBelt

hi tessie,

My burns have worsen and my underarm skin has blackened and some parts in my chest, my skin started to peel off and it’s now 1st degree burns thats why my rad-onco prescribed Mebo burn ointment now. I am now on break after my 25th treatment because of the unbeatable burns, and im not sure if i could finish the 33 sessions as i am having pain now w/c i was prescribed tramadol (dolcet). Not looking forward to going back, maybe after the new year if my skin heals...coz its all burnt up ;-( ;-( ;-( and im in pain