Breast cancer spread to peritoneum

Hi everyone, I’m new here.

in May 2023 I felt a lump in my left breast, which was eventually diagnosed following scans and biopsies as 3cm G2 IDC PR8 ER8 Ki67 20%. One other type of breast cancer was also present (papillary something).

In the month run up to my lumpectomy and SNB I came off HRT and sugar.

I was surprised that the results of my post lumpectomy biopsy was 1.8mm G1 IDC Ki67 5-20%. No trace of the second bc. This changed the course of my treatment meaning I went straight to partial breast radiotherapy, no chemo.

In September I had a scheduled transvaginal ultrasound, which showed a thickened endometrium.  This led to my ovaries and tubes being removed for risk reduction during a second biopsy of my endometrium in November 2023.

The endometrium biopsies came back clear, as did the biopsy of my ovaries and tubes.  BUT…something called a peritoneal washing was done during the surgery and the biopsy of that showed “degenerate cells suspicious for malignancy”. They also have oestrogen receptors.

Since then I have been batted back and forth between the gynae and breast teams, both claiming it can’t be related to their specialty.  

I understand this is pretty rare.  Is there ANYONE out there with anything similar? Can anyone advise which scans and tests I need?  

I have a CT scan booked for Monday but the gynae consultant agreed it would only show larger tumours, which could leave me in a watch and wait situation until a tumour can be detected, biopsied and then treated.  The prospect of this is terrifying- I am a single parent to a 10 year old who has already lost her father from her life.  

The only positive thing I can find is that I’m on letrazole now ano that can only be of benefit.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had or heard of similar.

THank you 

  • Hi Esskay99

    I didn't want to read and run so just wanted to say I I'm sorry you are going through this. It's difficult to dissect all of what is happening.  I would think these two should be looked at separately. It would appear the breast cancer has been treated and will continue to be under Letrazole.

    The degenerate cells would come under a gynaecologist.

    What makes you think the breast cancer has spread?  uterus endometrial cancer also be oestrogen positive independent of breast cancer.

    If it were me, I would be asking for a MRI scan as it will show up everything. I would also ask to be given genetic testing to see if I have a cancer gene and I would be asking for a full hysterectomy. 

    I would also be taking control of my treatment and telling the gynecologist that I will be solely using their specialism to get to the bottom of this and will not be going back and forth between clinics.

    I didn't know if that helps in any way but I wish you all the best and hope you get your answers soon x

  • Thank you so, so much for taking the time to reply and for your insight, which is very helpful.

    Uterine primary is one possibility I will pursue with the gynae consultant (and hysterectomy). My understanding is that’s the only other possible place the cells could have come from as oestrogen positive.  I’ve had two sets of biopsies done of my endometrium now though so it must be somewhere else on/within the uterus?

    I’m booked in for a CT scan tomorrow.  Can you possibly let me know why you think an MRI would be better? And is a PET scan not likely to be helpful?

    I’m also meant to have bloods done and tumour markers: CA125 and CA19-3 (or something like that). Do you know of any others I should push for?

    Thanks so much xx

  • Here's some info on the difference between the two 

    https://www.mskcc.org/news/ct-vs-mri-what-s-difference-and-how-do-doctors-choose-which-imaging-method-use

    Am I right in thinking you're breast cancer was stage 1? as you don't mention node involvement or chemo. 

    Has a doctor said to you that the cancer has spread? 

    The bloods that they have done is normal practice, you could ask for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene testing. 

    But try and keep in mind that the cancer teams know far more about your situation than anyone on here does. 

    I suggest you put everything you've said on here to your consultant, so that a proper discussion can be had. 

    x