Multifocal Breast Cancer - Radiology report

Roots

I got the radiologist report back yesterday. I won't get the biopsy results back until next monday at the earliest, and I know that nothing is for sure until then. The report that the radiologist did seemed pretty sure of himself and and doc said that since there is more than 1 suspicious mass (6 actually plus 4 enlarged nodes) that the report believes are malignant, I should 'hope for the best but prepare for the worst'.

Diagnosis according to radiologist report: multifocail multicentric malignancy of the left breast with axillary adenopathy. BIRADS 5.

Would anyone be able to share your experience with me about how multifocal breast cancer was treated in terms of removal of the lumps vs full masectomy? Or overall experience. From what I can see online it's staged and treated differently bc it's often aggressive.

Any help, thoughts, guidance would be appreciated. I feel like I'm stuck in a state of limbo until the final results come in. Like I can't be upset yet. But then my logical brain reads the certainty of the report and keeps thinking back to the words my doc was using, and the looks she was giving me. Like it was already a done deal.

Georgia1

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Hi Roots and I'm so sorry you find yourself here. In my case I had two small tumors close together and they were removed in one "clump" in a lumpectomy. My surgeon used a biozorb device to improve the cosmetic outcome and I am happy with the results.

I suspect that after you receive the biopsy results the next step is a consultation with a surgeon and/or an MRI to ensure you and your doctors know what you're dealing with exactly. Masectomy vs lumpectomy is a very personal choice and if it ends up that you do need us we will be here to help. Best wishes.

Roots

Thank you for your response @Georgia1!

I'm glad to hear that a lumpectomy could be an option. This waiting part is so hard. I just want to get the diagnosis (and treatment plan if needed) started. I feel like a sitting duck.

The support of others here is such a comfort. Thanks again!

Sophiemara

Hey Roots, sorry to hear about your tests. I had multifiocal which consisted of a main tumour 5cm and another satellite one 3cm, very close together almost joining. It was aggressive- grade 3. For me it was no question to have a mastectomy. It basically took up the majority of my breast and I wanted clear margins. The problem with multifiocal is the satellite tumours or rogue cells which can eventually form. My surgeon originally mentioned lumpectomy, until the surgery and then it was just get rid. Good luck!

Fast forward 2.5 years and I had reconstruction on both sides. I'm really happy with the results

Icantri

Hi Roots, sorry you are here. I had multifocal too. They found 2 suspicious masses during mammo and ultrasound. Then when she went to do my biopsy she saw a 3rd. She only biopsied the first two. Not sure why, maybe because they were close together and they had only planned to do two. One mass came back negative and the other positive. Surgeons suggested lumpectomy but I chose mastectomy because I wanted to be sure we got it all gone first time and it seemed appropriate based on what I had read about multifocal breast cancer. Also, I wanted to avoid radiation if possible. After pathology came back from my surgery it was found that I had multiple cancers and in-situ as well. But it hadn’t gotten to the nodes. (Yay!) Oncologist said I made the right choice.

But you will need to figure out what treatment plan feels right for you. It isn’t a one size fits all even with the same diagnosis. I didn’t get reconstruction and am very happy with my decision. Recovery went well and life goes on.

You will find what feels right for you. And you will get through this.

Hugs,
Denise