Tumor Size

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MNSuzi
MNSuzi Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hi, I'm new to the boards.  I've been lurking here since my PCP first uttered the words IBC on October 20th, 2010.  I was 'officially' diagnosed on October 27, 2010.

 I'm 36 years old.  Happily married with boy/girl 3 1/2 year old twins and a 16 year old daughter.

 I have a question that I can't seem to get answered through my normal consult with Dr. Google.  How do they determine tumor size in IBC? 

I'll ask my Dr next time I see him (11/24 before my 2nd round of AC), but I'm curious what makes a tumor a tumor in IBC. 

I had a PET scan which showed a 2cm tumor (non palpable) and at least 4 impacted nodes.  But if IBC has already moved into the skin (based on skin biopsy) is that affected area included in the tumor size?

 I hope this makes some sense.  Just reading through some of the older posts on here has answered a lot of my questions.  

Thanks in advance for your help! 

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  • leisaparis
    leisaparis Member Posts: 587
    edited November 2010

    I don't really have an answer for you. I too have IBC. I had a dblmx and the only measurements I recieved were the ones that measured how much tissue they took out all together. Which was a lot. I was a 42DD before the mx. I didn't get a tumor sz. since there was no lump. Maybe they don't give one. I really don't know. Some other women who also have IBC get a tumor sz because they also have a seperate lump to measure. I would be curious to know the answer to that question too.

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited November 2010

    I have ibc and also an idc tumor of 3.5cm.   They did measure the size in my ultrasound of 6cm by 3cm.  This I believe was the sheat of ibc across my breast.  Other than this, I did not see any measurements other than the idc tumor measurement on later pet scans and tests.  I also had spinal bone mets upon diagnosis and had 8 months of chemo, monthly zometa and will do bi-lateral mastecomy early next year because I've been stabel for the last 6 months.

    ibcsupport.org is a site strictly for ibc patients.  The woman on this board are very knowledgeable about this type of cancer.  Best to you on with your treatments.

    Terri

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