Hello. I have just been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and now awaiting a CT scan.
I have come across one of my old letters from when I had cancer the first time and I had never understood the medical jargon on them before but this time decided to learn what it meant. It says there was vascular invasion noted, which from a quick google says tumour growth in blood or lymph vessels and is a strong indicator of a poor clinical outcome.
I’m shocked! After my surgery I was given radiotherapy and offered hormone treatment which I refused, but as far as I was aware I was clear of the cancer as they had removed the tumour and blasted the area with radiotherapy. (I was under no illusion it couldn’t come back) but No mention of the vascular invasion. Was it bound to spread and were they aware of this the whole time?
Feeling very confused at the moment so please any light you can shed is most appreciated
Thanks
L
Hi lilly-daa44,
Thanks for posting.
It’s understandable you feel shocked and confused after finding out you had vascular invasion following your original diagnosis of breast cancer.
Vascular (or lymphovascular) invasion occurs when breast cancer cells have spread to the blood and lymph vessels surrounding the cancer. It’s different from having breast cancer in the lymph nodes and is identified when the pathologist looks at the breast tissue that has been removed following surgery. You can read more about this in our understanding your pathology results booklet (page 16).
Having lymphovascular invasion is thought to increase the chances of the breast cancer spreading to somewhere else in the body, but it doesn’t definitely mean that it will. Like you, people who have lymphovascular invasion are usually offered radiotherapy. You might find this video by Dr Liz O’Riorden useful in explaining lymphovascular invasion in more detail.
Being told you have secondary breast cancer can be overwhelming, especially when you are waiting for scans. It can be hard to know what to think, where to turn to for support, and even harder to find anyone who really understands what it feels like to live with the diagnosis. We provide a number of different services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support which you might find helpful.
Our helpline team are here for anyone diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. They have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through, answer any further questions that you may have and/or signpost you to more support and/or information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Vic
Breast Care Nurse
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