Positive margin post mastectomy

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1

Hello,

I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction a few weeks ago and have just received my pathology results.

After the initial biopsy I was diagnosed with DCIS (high grade) but the full biopsy has found two invasive lesions. They’ve been categorised as stage 1a, grade 2, ER8, PR8. I’m still waiting for the HSE2 results. Also despite a mastectomy, positive margins have been detected.

What is the recommended/ typical next steps in this instance? For example: Could I have further surgery? What type of therapy should be considered? Also is having positive margins common?

Thanks,

Catrin 

2

Hi Catrin  

Thanks for posting. 

Waiting to hear about a treatment plan following surgery can be stressful especially when more results are awaited.   It’s also quite natural to wonder what the next treatment steps may be now that the results from your surgery has shown invasive breast cancer 

Decisions about your futuretreatment plan will be discussed by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) at your hospital to determine what’s best in your individual situation. Your future treatment will depend on a number of factor such as the type,  grade, size  and stage of the cancer.  Other things such as margins, hormone receptors and HER2 levels will also be considered.  

The typical next steps will be a further discussion with your treatment team when all your results are available.  We are unable to say if further surgery will be suggested but we’ve put together a list of questions you may want to ask your treatment team about your likely future treatments.  

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Best wishes 

Eve 

Breast Care Nurse 

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