Is tumor size generally indicative of stage?

SaraJay

I can't stop thinking about the size of the mass in my breast. Wondering how I didn't notice it sooner. No regular mammograms due to my age and always had lumpy breasts. Biopsy tomorrow and I keep reading that size can indicate stage. Am I wrong?

Beesie

Tumor size is one factor in staging.

Since 2018 there have been two different methods of staging breast cancer. Traditional staging is based on TNM - tumor size, whether there is nodal involvement and if so, how many nodes are affected, and whether there is distant metastasis. In 2018 prognostic staging was added into the mix. This was in recognition of the fact that some larger tumors have favorable pathologies while some smaller tumors have less favorable pathologies. The same is true when there is nodal involvement. So while tumor, nodes and metastasis still factor into pathological staging, other elements of the pathology are also considered, such as grade, ER status, PR status and HER2 status.

All that to say, don't get hung up on the tumor size.

Good luck tomorrow!

Kalunde

I know what you mean. I have always had lumpy breasts too. Then it's like overnight I woke up and there's a huge mass in one of my breasts.

I'm 32.... I've done ultrasounds,. mammogram and the results came back 4C BIRADS.

I did a biopsy but they want me to have another one... The results weren't conclusive.

It's so hard dealing with this thing. But this site is so helpful and informative. I hope everything turns out okay for you....

Sending positive vibes....

SaraJay

Thank you.

LivinLife

Best on biopsy tomorrow SaraJay!!!

Best on next biopsy Kalunde!!!

SaraJay

It's so hard dealing with this. My biopsy today was just terrible. It went on for 1.5 hours. They biopsied two masses (apparently there are 3 and I only knew about one). They also biopsied one axillary lymph node which has been swollen for a few weeks. They said it was "borderline" of needing a biopsy, but did it to be sure. It looked normal besides a slight thickening of the outside. I left more stressed than ever and have to wait a week for results.