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Diagnosed with Axillary Lymph Node and occult breast primary

McArdle
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Hi there.

 Just a bit confused about this diagnosis of cancer which is in axillary node occult breast primary. Is it the same as Ax CUP ( cancer of unknown primary) because they read as two very different outcomes in terms of prognosis ? I know that DR Google might not be helpful in giving me the answers but neither is my consultant- probably a genius in her field but certainly not the most clear with explanations. I must also bare in mind that I’m probably not in the right headspace either to make sense of this in the few minutes we have in consultation 

Ive had breast MRI , followed by a biopsy, which was benign ( small lesion) then had a ct with contrast (kneck to groin) & nothing showing up anywhere. It’s just so confusing as to know if f I should be relieved or worried? 
I’m waiting for axillary node dissection in next few weeks. 
Thanks & Most grateful for any feedback and hope your day is going ok 

Lisa 

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of this very rare type of breast cancer.

    As there is minimal information about this, other than some medical papers online, I can see how what you have briefly read may have confused you.

    Cancer of Unknown Primaries (CUPS) are sometimes mentioned when this cancer is discussed, but Occult Breast Cancers (OBCs) are very much categorised differently. In OBCs, although the primary cancer is not clear, it does not come under the same diagnosis term and therefore is a sub type. They are treated differently and have a different outlook to CUP's.

    For more information on your situation, do keep the communication going between your doctor and the breast care nurse, but I appreciate this can be harder when a diagnosis is extremely rare.

    The most up to date information that I can find that may be helpful for you to read are these science pages. Do be aware that these pages are written by medics for medics with practice in America.

    Breast Cancer Now, the UK's main breast cancer charity, may also have more information as they are focused on all aspects of breast cancer only. It may be helpful to contact their nurses or post on their forum.

    Take care and I hope you get the information you need. If you want to talk to our nurses then do call freephone 0808 800 4040, lines are open mon-fri, 9-5. 

    Sarah.

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