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Invasive Breast carcinoma

MaisieP
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I went to one consultant who said lumpectomy I have 3cm invasive ductal carcinoma so his advice lumpectomy followed by radio therapy. On letrozole. 

I’m so thrown today as went for a second opinion. The consultant said it is bigger than 3cm more like 4 and he said ‘I would be doing you a disservice doing a lumpectomy you need a mastectomy. I am so disappointed. I was so caught off guard I didn’t have questions, speechless.Said it’s good I’m on letrozole. He said we can see in two months repeat ultrasound if letrozole has effect. I started beginning of may. 

How has first surgeon said lumpectomy and second said mastectomy? I don’t know what to think. And why has first hospital got sizing wrong. He said we looked at your scans this morning it’s bigger than 3cm. I’ve small breasts. 

:( 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn of your recent diagnosis. This must be a difficult time.

    I can appreciate it is confusing but second opinions may differ for several reasons, for example, radiologists or pathologists may interpret images and test results differently.

    Doctors may also have a different approach to treatment from their experience or specific guidelines they may follow at their hospital.

    If you have a specialist breast nurse (CNS) who knows your situation, it may be helpful to discuss this with them. You could also see if it is possible to arrange an appointment to speak with both specialists again to clarify why they have recommended the treatment they have.

    I hope you can get some clarity soon. If you would like to talk things through with one our nurses on the helpline, please give us a call we are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040,

    Jemma

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