Surgical Margins Post Lumpectomy

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nem126
nem126 Member Posts: 109
edited January 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi!

Just got the pathology results back from my lumpectomy, and they are mostly good. Stage 1. Grade 2. It's not in my nodes. Phew.

However while I have negative margins, they are also very close. I had both invasive cancer and DCIS removed. The margins for the invasive part are 2mm. Which I hear is standard. However, the margin for the DCIS part (posterior) is less than 1 mm. That worries me.

Again, they are all "clear" but damn, less than 1 mm is microscopically close. My surgeon said she wasn't worried and doesn't want to go back in to get a wider margin. She said the reason for this is due to the location of my tumor, the margin on that edge is muscle, not breast tissue. But can't cancer spread there too?

I'll be getting radiation for 6 weeks, so *in theory* that should take care of anything in question.

Just wish those margins were wider. Anyone else with a similar experience? Can you ease my mind at all here?

Thank you :)

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited January 2017

    nem, mine were close too, 5mm. My tumor was close to my chest wall. The only suggestion that I have is to get another opinion, if you are not comfortable. I wish it were more black and white, but it seems that all we can do is the best we can with the technology we have, and then, pray for the best outcome. Best wishes moving forward!

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  • nem126
    nem126 Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2017

    Thanks Keep the Faith. Did you mean 0.5 mm for your margins?

    Did you get a second opinion? It's not that I am itching to go back in for another surgery by any means. I just don't want to have to worry about anything. I've read some articles that say 2 mm margin is the gold standard. Others say it doesn't really matter as long as it's clear.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited January 2017

    I have heard that it doesn't matter as long as it is clear, also. No, I did not get a second opinion. I am very trusting in my BS. She knows her stuff and I have used her before.

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  • nem126
    nem126 Member Posts: 109
    edited January 2017

    I think you're right. I talked to my surgeon again and she reassured me. Feeling better about it. Thanks :)

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