How many have not had clear margins?

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vampeyes
vampeyes Member Posts: 1,227
edited November 2017 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I am wondering how many lumpectomies came back without clear margins and the reason for it. I did not have clear margins and booked for next surgery on the 15th. My BS stated it was another tumor, so of course this scared the crap out of me. If there is another tumor not picked up on mammo or ultrasound, how many more are there? Which brings questions of mastectomy or not. I still don't have all my tests back, no idea about hormones yet... this waiting is very frustrating.

Cheryl

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  • VL22
    VL22 Member Posts: 851
    edited November 2017

    I had another tumor found at surgery and they just removed it at that time. However, I still had to go in for re excision for margins. Will your pathology be complete before the re excision? I'd want to have all of that info. I would also be asking for a bilateral MRI so you can make the best educated decisions.

    I'm sorry you're going through this - it is such a roller coaster. Please keep us updated.

    Hugs

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited November 2017

    My mother's came back without clear margins and they had to go back for another round. It was not another tumor, simply did not get all of the first one. I think it happens with lumpectomies...well, not often..but it happens. (I had BMX.)

    Good luck with the 2nd surgery.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2017

    vampeyes - approximately 20-25% of lumpectomies need a re-excision for clear margins. This can be because of the reason you stated, or due to a narrow margin. Did you have an MRI prior to surgery?

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  • vampeyes
    vampeyes Member Posts: 1,227
    edited November 2017

    I asked the cancer nurse about MRIs before my surgery in October and this is her response: "Very few women qualify for a breast MRI. There are only specific situations in which a breast MRI is warranted. All of our surgeons and our radiologists are very thorough and would order that if you needed it. I will have a look at your report again to see if the radiologist recommended that, but it is very unlikely. It would appear that your case is very straight forward and the imaging done is sufficient to move ahead with surgery."

    I am not sure if he will give me the results of the blood tests before or not. I would like them as soon as they come in, but have a feeling he will wait till after the next lumpectomy.

    Thanks for your responses ladies, appreciate it.

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