Question about lumpectomy

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MLT2015
MLT2015 Member Posts: 7
edited July 2016 in Waiting for Test Results

I had a surgical consultation today for a lump found in my right breast about a month ago. I've had an ultrasound and mammogram already. After he examined my breast and asked some questions he said he wanted to do a biopsy in the office to get a preliminary report on what it is. Everything went fine with that, but he also said whether it was cancerous or not it would need to be removed along with a lymph node. Everything that I've read about a lumpectomy mentions removal of a lymph node in relation to having breast cancer. Is it normal for a surgeon to suggest removing a lymph node without actually knowing whether the lump is cancer?

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited July 2016
    MLT. - that seems very odd to me. I would: A) Get a second opinion and B) question him VERY closely as to why the removal of both the lump AND lymph node are necessary. Mostly, I would get that second opinion!
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  • MLT2015
    MLT2015 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2016

    I thought it was weird too, but I was so nervous I didn't start thinking about it until after the appointment. After I did some research I thought maybe I was missing something. I'll be sure to ask him about it. Do you happen to know if second opinions are covered by insurance or does it vary from company to company?

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  • AmazonCatwoman
    AmazonCatwoman Member Posts: 36
    edited July 2016

    what kind of biopsy did they do in office that day? I've wondered if my breast surgeon might be able to do something that day of my initial appt with her even if I have to wait for other stuff. As for the lymph node, though I can't really say for sure if that is common or not, it's not something I've read about on here before and strikes me as odd. I'm only in the diagnostic phase too but I would personally question and maybe protest this. I'dnlike to keep my lymph nodes until there is a legitimate reason to take them out.

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  • MLT2015
    MLT2015 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2016

    AmazonCatwoman it was a fine needle aspiration. He did it today and said results should be in by Monday, so the turn around time seems relatively quick. It seems less invasive than the other types of biopsies too, but if I understand correctly, if the results turn out to be cancer it can't tell you what type, so further testing would be needed.

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited July 2016
    I have NEVER heard of node removal prior to any confirmation of cancer somewhere n the body. That is simply not standard. It is standard when removing a cancerous or pre-cancerous lump but not cysts, etc.

    Most insurers will pay for a second opinion but be sure to ask first.

    I would strongly recommend taking a close friend or family member to your next appointment as a second set of ears and note-taker. If you can record the appointment on your phone or a small, inexpensive digital recorder that can be a huge help as well. Get copies of all your pathology reports, etc.

    There is lots of useful info on the main site - it might help to read up on some aspects of the diagnostic process so that you feel more in charge. Good luck. I hope everything is benign.
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  • MLT2015
    MLT2015 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2016

    Thank you Hopeful! I'm definitely going to take your advice!

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