Margins....can someone explain please???

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Hi All

Another question for you all regarding my Mum!!!

What do margins mean??? Hers are 1mm!! Are they clear or not??? What does it mean if they are or not??? What are the implications???

Bit confused…waiting for answers from you amazing ladies!!

Sam x

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Hi Sam

Concentrate on the temperature!

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Hi Sam

When the surgeons remove the tumour, the laboratory people examine it to see how much healthy tissue surrounds the tumour. The more healthy stuff surrounding the tumour, the better because it means that the surgeons have hopefully removed all of the cancerous bit and not left any behind. I had what they called clear margins with 6mms of healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. I think the optimum is 1cm or 10mm - I may be wrong? If the surgeons believe that they haven’t got clear margins, they will suggest further surgery. This is common and happens with a lot of ladies who have lumpectomies.

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Hi

Thanks for that Cathy. Does that mean that Mums would not be considered clear?? She had a mascetomy and I think the surgeon would have liked to take more but couldn’t??

Binkie - Your comment made me chuckle…sounded just like something Mum would say to me!!! The problem is I am a gemini which means i have to know everything yesterday, I believe knowledge is power! Unlike my brother who, i feel, believes that if he sticks his head far enough into the sand everything will just go away!!! Though he may just be a typical man???

Have checked the temperature situation…she is checking it twice a day and it is fine.

Sam x

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hi Sam

I had the same as your mum in terms of margins and after the mastectomy they just couldnt take any more tissue. I am getting chemo at the moment then radiotherapy over the area of the breast- hopefully this will mop up any stray cells that may have been left- maybe your mum will be offered similar treatment

Yvonne x

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Hi Sam

I am so glad you found out about the temperature - its made me happy now.

You are right to want to know everything -and I wish I could answer your question.I never asked what my margins were - but I’ll ask now next time I go.

Hopefully your mum is feeling a bit better today.xx

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Hi Sam,

If you would like to give the helpline a ring after the weekend I’m sure the staff here will explain to you about margins and what it all means. Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm.

Hope this helps, kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator

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I was told that they aim for 5mm clear of cancer or pre cancerous cells and they also test for evidence of vascular invasion.1mm clear margins means there was 1mm of healthy tissue[free of cancer] round the lump.

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In my case the surgeon only got 1mm. I was given 5 doses of radiotherapy as a boost directly onto the area when the lump was removed. Some information I have read says 2mm is OK.