Breast Cancer/concerned

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Expert: - 9/11/2008


Question
I'm a 46 yo female who is 6 years post T1bN0M0 who underwent lumpectomy and radiation followed by Tamoxifen. I then had a TAH and was switched to Arimidex. I have had follow-up mammograms annually. On my last mammo there was increased architectural distortion at the lumpectomy site. US revealed nonlinear acoustical shadowing at the lumpectomy site along with fat necrosis type calcifications. I'm now scheduled for a VAC core biopsy. My question is what is the likelihood that this is a recurrence and if it is benign would it still be ok to consider having  mastectomy? I do not if I can handle the constant worrying and stress over this. Your help is appreciated.

Answer
While I can not à priori rule out the possibility of a local recurrence I think it is unlikely. If it is benign there is no factual basis for a mastectomy. If based only on fear of the return of any cancer there, then you probably also would have to consider the possibility of a cancer in the other breast! I suggest that you wait with any decision until after you have the result of the biopsy.

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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