Cancer Research UK main site

HER2 tumour missed

Answersplease
Offline

Hi. I had a mammogram showing calcification. Had another set of mammogram pictures and they tried for a biopsy but I am a fainter! Biopsy came back inconclusive so had another one. Meanwhile had a nipple biopsy and told I have Pagets. Right front excision done, resulting in an abcess so I had a CT scan. Results showing extensive DCIS so mastectomy done. They now say I had a 2.5cm HER 2 tumour and need chemo. I can't understand how the tumour didn't show on any of the mammograms or CT? I have asked my breast nurse but she was very vague and didn't answer me. I am losing faith in the whole system now and I just need to understand please.

  • Offline in reply to drinky

    I'm sending the very best of wishes to you. 

  • Offline

    Hi there

    it is a mystery to me how cancer can be missed on scans. The mammogram I had the year before did not show the growing IDC  on my right breast. Like you mine was 2.5 HER neg Grade 2 My Consultant wrote to the mammogram team and they confirmed that nothing was showing on the results. After an MRI the results showed calcifications under the lump, it would have meant going to another hospital for a specialist biopsy MRI and that would have delayed surgery. I panicked during my MRI so decided to go ahead with a masectomy and unfortunately the calcifications under the lump were benign so could have had a lumpectomy  i had chemo followed by radiotherapy. I was told that there wasn't time to do reconstruction at the time of surgery so am just going ahead with major surgery soon. My treatment was 2020 so I'm further down the line and feeling fine. It is so complex breast cancer and I can only feel grateful that it has been removed. Wishing you all the best  x 

    Silver 

  • Offline

    Hi, I had a mammogram last July 2021 (normal ..) I have a history of cysts and fibroids and moderate family risk so get tested yearly 

    the lump I had last year (pre mammogram) has now grown to 2inchs .. and the mammogram I had last week showed normal .. this lump can be seen without feeling it !!

    went to GP who has basically said she doesn't think it's a cyst and I now have urgent referral for scan and biopsy .. how can a mammogram miss something that size? I am sick to my stomach with worry

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.