Just this second had throught the post a copy of letter from one surgeon to another and can’t understand this term??? I have not the emotional wherewithall to tell my story this morn… you will find potted history under the heading newly diagnosed…I cant believe it!! crumbs just when you think can climb up summat kicks you back eh?
J, sorry you are going through this. I am no expert but a quick google revealed this explanation (I don’t know how reputable the website is or anything)
dslrf.org/breastcancer/content.asp?CATID=28&L2=1&L3=6&L4=0&PID=&sid=132&cid=1104
Pathology Report
What is lymphovascular invasion? How does it differ from having positive nodes? And how does it affect my treatment choices?
When a pathologist examines tissue removed during a lumpectomy or mastectomy, one of the things she looks to see is whether cancer cells are present in any of the blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. If they are, it is referred to as vascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, or lymphovascular invasion (LVI).
A woman can have lymphovascular invasion but not have positive lymph nodes. This could be because the invasion hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or because it has bypassed the nodes and moved on to other areas of the body.
When LVI is present, doctors assume this means that the cancer has acquired the genetic mutation it needs to create its own blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. Because a tumor that has the ability to create its own blood vessels may have already begun to spread cancer cells to other parts of the body, the presence of LVI is an indicator that treatment should most likely include chemotherapy or hormone therapy (if the tumor is hormone sensitive).
Can you phone your BCN or the helpline here for more advice? You should definitely be entitled to hear an explanation of terms used to describe your diagnosis. Best wishes xxxx
thanks for that worried or what!! it is quite possible that this was the case last time and I just didn’t know??? and therefore it can be treated again??? it was er+ last time was on tamoxifen. wish I couls fast forward 5 months!!! gonna go and find aquiet place to cry I think!!! lolXXXxxx
Hi J
Do discuss this with your team, but it isn’t the terrible news you might think it is. Vascular invasion is pretty common, and you can have VI without any spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere. It does mean your cancer is not in the very earliest stages, but you may still have a very good prognosis - and of course it can treated.
finty xx
Phew!!! can’t believe had a clear mammo last june! & by Dec all this it’s took a while to get this far as 2 hospitals been involved, but what can you do eh??? Thanks for that Jxxx
Dear J,
Our Helpline is open today until 2.00pm. They are able to offer information and support. The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Facilitator