Invasive Lobular Cancer - Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

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bcbayarea
bcbayarea Member Posts: 2
edited January 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I was recently diagnosed with ILC, in my right breast with a suspicious lymph node. Due to the nature of this cancer, I'm looking for research on what kind of surgery I should have. I had a lumpectomy scheduled, but postponed it so I could do more research and//or get a second opinion on whether a mastectomy would be better.. Does anyone have advice on it? It's estrogen and progesterone positive, HER negative, and the MRI indicated it is about 1.8 CM and deeper near the chest than originally thought. I'm 52 and want to do everything I can to beat this the first time and reduce the chance of recurrence. Thoughts?

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited January 2019

    Beesie as a comprehensive list of things to consider lumpectomy or mastectomy

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topics...

    I had a mastectomy single side because I had 2 tumors 1 idc and one ilc and a suspicious area, no nodes. I avoided radiation and had an excellent DIEP reconstruction result. Glad I did because the pathology showed only the 2 small separate lesions no other cancer in the breast. I would not have that knowledge had I had lumpectomy.

    I find I trust the MRI results it gave me a picture of what cancer was there, it tends to find false positives though like my suspicious area. My good breast was textbook clean so I felt confident to leave it alone.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited January 2019

    I am sorry about your diagnosis and am sorry that you have to make this choice at all. I struggled with that same decision until further testing led the tumor board to recommend MX in my case. I had an UMX with direct to implant. I am just finishing up rads due to my positive nodes.

    I know it all feels overwhelming, but you are doing a great job advocating for yourself and getting the information that will help you make this decision! I do know that when I did have the choice my BS said that if I chose LX that MX wasn’t off the table. She said that if I decided down the line that the follow up screening was too stressful I could still get the MX. That might be something you could talk to your BS about.

    ILC is definitely a sneaky little bastard when it comes to imaging! You will make the right choice for you. I wish you the best.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited January 2019

    Hi there. Of course its a personal decision but I chose BMX due to difficulty in screening. My tumor was missed by both a 3D mammogram and an ultrasound. Only picked up on a preoperative MRI. Prior to the MRI I was scheduled for a lumpectomy but changed my mind after getting the MRI results. Good luck and keeps posted.

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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited January 2019

    Hi,

    I was dx'd with BC in my right breast. I chose a double mastectomy due to the fact I had dense breasts,,already a pain to detect anything, and I felt it was the most I could do for myself. My personal feelings. I went direct to implants. Its all a very personal decision. Sorry I can't be of more help. Wish you luck with it.

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  • CC23
    CC23 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2019

    Sorry you are dealing with this! Tough call but I think the way ILC tumors grow a lumpectomy is hard to guarantee full removal since the cancer grows more like sheets than a tumor. What is your doctor recommended? Get a second opinion - that might also help!

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited January 2019

    I had a lumpectomy eight years ago. I was not comfortable with the prospect of mastectomy and my doctor recommended lumpectomy immediately. I cant even remember if he discussed mastectomy. I did have to have a second surgery to get clear margins.

    Research shows lumpectomy with radiation is as effective as mastectomy. But there are several other factors to consider apart from risk of future cancers, as outlined in Beesie's post.

    Ultimately, it is your decision. What you are most comfortable with will be the right decision for you.

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