Hello and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear you are about to have surgery and appreciate you having some questions.

Once the cancer has been removed it will be sent off to pathology where they are able to look at and test the sample to confirm the type of cancer it is and how fast it is growing (grade).

Whilst a biopsy is very good at diagnosing cancer it is the tissue removed from surgery that can look at the entire tumour so is far more accurate in giving information to guide whether any further treatment is needed.

Most women undergoing a lumpectomy ( also called breast conserving surgery) for an early stage cancer who is found to have a hormone positive breast cancer will be prescribed hormone treatment following surgery and radiotherapy.

There is more information about lumpectomies on our website.

Once the results are back your specialist will discuss these with you to explain what needs to happen next.

Do get back in touch if you have more questions. You are also welcome to call the nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040 if you prefer. We're here week days 9-5.

Wishing you all the very best with your treatment

Naomi

Thank you for your reply.

How accurate are the biopsy results vs the entire tumor analysis?

Hello there again

Biopsies are accurate in the fact that they are able to give a snap shot in time of the tissue sample taken. Whereas the tumour once removed can be entirely examined which can add further useful information to help guide the next steps.

I hope this helps but as I say do give us a call to talk this through if you would like.

Best wishes

Naomi

Hi anga my ultrasound showed no cancer in my lymph nodes but after my operation and pathology came back I had a trace in one node  so there’s no way of knowing this until after operation results come back it’s a rollercoaster I was told no chemo then results back was told expect chemo , then I saw oncology then they advised no chemo 

Thank you for replying.

I understand now. its just all so stressful. it looks like i wont know until January. I really do hope that I don't have to have chemo. 

May I ask, what stage and grade was your cancer please?

Thank you, it makes sense. Its just stressful. Can't even concentrate at work.

Thank you, it makes sense. Its just stressful. Can't even concentrate at work.