Four tumors

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sammistar509
sammistar509 Member Posts: 23
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

After my lumpectomy, they found a fourth tumor in my tissue. All four are isolated which is why a mastectomy is being planned. They are all under 1cm but I haven't found a lot about multiple tumors, maybe I am not looking in the right place or using the right terminology.

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  • jenn333
    jenn333 Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2012

    Do a search for multi focal tumors and you'll find some threads.

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  • LMichele
    LMichele Member Posts: 165
    edited April 2012

    Hi Sammie,

    I also had 4 tumors, 3 of which were found at lumpectomy.

    I have had BMX and implants, about a year before you.

    I am sorry for your diagnosis, if I can help you let me know

    Michele

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited April 2012

    Multifocal is the term. They stage you by the largest one. So far there isn't much evidence that your prognosis is different because of multiple tumors. Good luck,

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  • DiDel
    DiDel Member Posts: 1,329
    edited April 2012

    Sammistar 4 must be the unlucky number...I also had mutifocal IDC. 3 days before my lumpectomy was scheduled I had an MRI. As soon as I saw the film I knew the lumpectomy was no longer an option for me. At the time I had the primary tumor 9.25 mm low grade..then found two more on the MRI one 3.25 mm and the other 2.5 mm. Then after examining the tissue from mx ...pathology came back with one more 1mm tumor poorly differentiated..my BS thought it was an indicator that the cancer was becoming more aggressive as it hopped from duct to duct. For that reason(and my oncotype RS) I ended up doing chemo despite no node involvement and I went into surgery stage I came out stage II based on the overall tumor/cancer size. I am two years out and today feel great. I had a unimx cause Lefty was crystal clear. I take Tamoxifen also since my cancer is ER+95%.. Its not an easy journey but everyone is here for you.Hang in there!

    if you have any specific questions feel free to PM me anytime.

    Diane

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2012

    Sammistar, it's called multifocal when the lesions are all in the same general area; or multicentric when they're in different quadrants.  And it's not that uncommon, nor does it mean any worse prognosis.  Our stories sound a bit similar.  I also had a tiny 4th lesion discovered during the pathology.  But my first MRI & first surgeon actually missed #2 & #3, so I also had to have an mx after my initial lumpectomy, which is when they found #4.

    I'm sorry you're facing an mx now.  I know it's not easy to think you're done after a lumpectomy, only to discover the situation is more complicated and you need a mx.  I honestly think I was in shock for a few weeks when they told me.  But you can be gratetful that they didn't miss those additional lesions and that you'll be getting appropriate tx.    (((Hugs)))   Deanna

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  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited April 2012

    sammistar509 -

    I guess I had four tumors as well. I had multifocal DCIS (in two different areas) and multi-focal IDC (in two areas).

    I was initially offered a lumpectomy with radiation, but the BS told me I may not be happy with the outcome, as she would have to take such a large wedge of tissue to get clean margins. She suggested a UMX.

    Because of my history, I chose a BMX with immediate reconstruction, which I had in December. Now, four months out, I am doing really well. After the final pathology report came back, I did not need chemo or radiation, just five years of Arimidex.

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