Occult Breast Carcinoma

OMG!   Why in the world would they leave your breast if you have 2 nodes positive and the cancer cannot be seen?...Did you have adjuvant chemo before surgery?  Did it shrink the tumor?....if not, Then Nilda, I strongly urge you to get a second opinion......There has to be a tumor somewhere for cancer to be detected and I think your doctors may have made a mistake.......This is just my humble opinion but I am scared fro you...I never heard of Occult Breast Cancer but will see what I can find and try to help  you.........Gentle hugs and prayers for a speedy recovery........

I found this link for a definition of Occult Brast Cancer...Hope it helps........

http://books.google.com/books?id=AovrEtuwitgC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=occult+breast+cancer+definition&source=bl&ots=ga7V4dNY_r&sig=b0AKFok3SdtrcGZuuPyX8-FQkKk&hl=en&ei=6axlSp_eIdS_tgeKy9DxDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8

Just copy and paste if the link doesn't work........

Hi, How are you doing ?? My sister was just diagnosed with rare occult breast cancer today ! She has been going thru tests and surgical procedures for the past month and a half.  It started in the lymph ( under her arm ) was biopsied- found to be rare poorly differentiated carcinoma cells. Surgery to remove the tumor and lymph node followed. The tumor was was 6cm slightly more complicated than the surgeon expected, very involved with a major blood vessel of the arm and attatched to the top of her lung.  She was tested again with more blood work, Ct scan and MRI , results were clear mostly one small nothing on an adrenal gland and a couple tiny spots thought to be scars on her lungs. The pathology report was abundant necrosis and tumor was catagorized as "slightly" aggressive by the surgeon, but still no origin diagnosis. She was then referred to an oncologist, after reviewing all her tests and pathology Oncologist was suspicious of lung spots. A Pet scan was next- results were discussed with her today and they were: rare occult breast cancer, her lungs will be watched but Dr. feels they are 2 small scars. Cat scan again in 3 months. Referred to breast Oncologist specialist for further treatment-probably more tumor removal, that the previous surgeon was uncomfortable disturbing the major blood vessel.  Oncologist was considerably lighter in mood today and had a story of a similar patient at Loyola Stritch-Cardinal Bernadine Cancer Center that has had an excellent recovery and remission. We are just so joyful that the Pet scan did not reveal anything horrible lurking and hopeful for a good outcome to this nightmare.

Hi, I was dx with a CUP stage IV. It's a crazy ride to go through

edwsmom-Sorry you have found yourself here, but I am another lucky member of the Occult Primary Breast Cancer club-grrrr

I was diagnosed 6/13 after a myriad of tests for about 2 years (which all came back normal)-not so much....I had a swelling and lump in my right armpit that doctors kept saying was just annoyed lymph nodes...whatever, by the time they finally diagnosed it I had 11 out of 12 nodes cancerous and a Stage 111C. My onc and the tumor board (which included my breast surgeon) at the cancer center I see suggested a ALND and no mastectomy as even after MRI no primary was found. So I had the lymph nodes removed in July 2013, then 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan followed by 28 rounds of whole breast/axillary/clavicular radiation. No need for boost as no primary tumor. Now am on anastrozole. Kind of wish I had gone ahead with mastectomy...have had several biopsies since, but who knows...it is possible I have bone mets scattered throughout my pelvis and lumbar spine, 3 radiologists said that but they are too small and scattered to biopsy. So we just keep watching. Hope you got more answers from your onc visit. Please keep us posted and hang in there, you are not alone and will find tons of support here.

Mimi