Hi all,
I’m new here, have just been diagnosed with benign phyllodes, about 4,5 cm (from 1.7 cm in Feb - they thought it was fibroadenoma), which the doctors want to remove ASAP as it’s growing really fast. The problem is, i am not sure about the surgeon - he says he has not heard about the possibility of moving tissue around a bit to make the ‘dent’ less visible (I have fairly large breasts, so this seems to be a possibility from other topics and papers i have come across). He also says that because the tumor is close to the surface (not further in), this means that the dent will be LESS visible - but this seems a little strange to me: surely it would be the other way around, wouldn’t it?
I have a surgery date for 20th of jan, but I worry that if i go to another hospital i might have to wait longer - which would probably mean the tumor would get even bigger… What should I do??
Hi there norgegirl
In addition to the support and help you will receive here, you are welcome to call our helpline if you feel it would help to talk about the queries you have, the line is open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2 on 0808 800 6000.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi norgegirl
Until others reply about phyllodes I can tell you that my lumpectomy for Stage 2 bc was fairly close to the surface (got small boobs) and surgeon said there could be quite a lot of disfigurement, but 8 months on the ‘dent’ has filled in a lot and the scar has shrunk too.
Just a thought - some surgeons have a portfolio (photos) of their ‘handiwork’ to help patients decide on treatment options. My surgeon sent me to medical illustration to have photos taken (not page 3 stuff though!!!) where they explained that some would be put in my medical record and some would form part of the surgeon’s portfolio. Could be worthwhile asking your surgeon if he’s got anything similar to show you.
Hope this helps.