Difference between lumpectomy and excisional biopsy

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DagnyT
DagnyT Member Posts: 135
edited December 2017 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hi all,

I’ve been reading lots of threads but can’t seem to find an answer to this question. I was just diagnosed with DCIS behind my R nipple, very close to the surface, with a microinvasion of IDC. I am confused about what “surgery” is the next step. What is the difference between an excisional biopsy and a lumpectomy? When would you get one versus the other? I’m waiting and hoping to get in to see someone at Dana Farber, but don’t have an appt yet....so no nurse navigator of doctor to ask these questions. I know that I do not want a MX, but I would want reconstruction / ps help to deal with the likely changes to my breast and possible loss of my nipple. So I want to do things in the right order

Thanks

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited December 2017

    As far as I understand it, the actual procedure is the same, but it is called an excision biopsy if it is not yet known to be cancer, and a lumpectomy if it is. I would also imagine that with a lumpectomy for known cancer they might attempt wider margins than in a biopsy, but there really isn’t much difference other than that.

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  • DagnyT
    DagnyT Member Posts: 135
    edited December 2017

    thanks. So it sounds like I would need to have a plastic surgeon available and a plan in place about what they are going to do, particularly since my bc is right behind my nipple and I don't want to lose it. This is why I am so confused and feel pressure that everyone is saying I have to start with tha surgeon when they are not yet 100% certain about all the details of my specific diagnosis.

    I appreciate your help Annett

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited December 2017

    Yes, I would definitely seek the counsel of a plastic surgeon, as well as a breast surgeon.  You may or may not be able to keep the nipple--a PS would be the one to make that call. Breast surgeons are specialists, but the plastic surgeon is the one who can make it look good. 

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