Hi I have been diagnosed with a Radial Scar after an excisional biopsy.I was told it would need to come out after being pressed the consultant said it was pre cancerous.He also told me my health authority couldnt do a vaccuum assisted proceedure as they didnt have the equipment,They referred me to a neighbouring authority who say they cant do it either as they are short staffed…Im at a loss what to do.To top it off the official letter I received said it is benign and isnt pre cancerous and they are looking at other treatment providers.I am constantly reminded as I have frequent breast pain which some times takes my breath away( as though Im having a heart attack).Any help or suggestions any one? Thanks xx
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Hi Lauren, that’s not good that they are giving you that news, but not coming up with a clear treatment plan! I had a radial scar about 10 years ago. After a core biopsy which also showed some LCIS, I had it removed by wide local excision, and the margins were clear of both that and the LCIS. I was told that a radial scar isn’t cancerous, but that they are ‘associated with a greater risk of cancer in the future’. Sure enough, I did develop 2 cancers, one in each breast, 8 years later, and neither were in the region of the radial scar. Both were very small and removed by WLE and had radiotherapy afterwards. If the radial scar is said to be precancerous, presumably you have a little bit of time on your hands to get this sorted - if you can continue to press your medical team, even if the other centre is short staffed if you can be on a waiting list perhaps? It might also be good to ask about medication such as tamoxifen or letrozole as a preventative step. Sorry I can’t be more help but wish you luck - and do keep pushing for some resolution.
Thank you Im going back to my GP today.Fingers crossed x
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Hi laurenb,
Thank you for posting. It is understandable that you have questions about your diagnosis of a radial scar, and how it will be treated.
A radial scar is a benign (not cancer) lesion that are often only found on mammograms. They are not cancer or pre-cancerous although experts disagree on whether having a radial scar may slightly increase your risk of cancer in the future.
Radial scars are usually removed using a vacuum assisted biopsy, as you say. If this is not possible due to equipment or staff shortages, then it is important that your treatment team explain to you the alternative options available to you as @sunlover100 says. You mention that that you are seeing your GP today, and hopefully they will be able to answer your questions or refer you back to the breast team to discuss it further.
If you’re unable to resolve a concern, you have a right to make a complaint. How to do this will vary depending on where in the UK you are located.
In England the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can provide you with information and support. This is a confidential service for patients, their families, and carers. They can help resolve concerns related to health matters, explain, and handle complaints procedures and use feedback to help influence change. PALS work with staff, managers, and if relevant, external organisations to provide support and advice to people concerned about the care they are receiving. You can find your nearest PALS office on the NHS website.
The Welsh government provide guidance to people living in Wales on resolving concerns or issues with NHS services. This is called NHS Wales complaints and concerns: Putting things right
In Scotland The Patient Advice and Support Service can provide advice and support with this.
You can register a concern or complain about your care by contacting the feedback and complaints team at your local NHS health board.
The Northern Ireland Direct website provides information on the standards of care which you can expect from NHS services in Northern Ireland. You can also seek advice from the Patient and Client Council. They can listen to your concerns and are able to provide information, advice and help if you want to make a complaint.
To make a complaint about your NHS treatment you should contact the complaints department responsible for your local Health and Social Care Trust.
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