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Breast Cancer/Pathology Recommends Excision and Surgeon Does Not

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Expert: - 1/31/2009


Question
Hi There....I recently felt a lump and had it examined by my physician.  It was recommended to have a mammogram and ultrasound.  The results from that was a recommendation for core biopsy.  The recommendation from the core biopsy was for excision (because the findings from the biopsy were too complex to safely diagnosis).  After seeing the surgeon, he highly feels the results will be benign and is not recommending excision because the size of the tumor is quite large and will leave the breast disfigured.  

I am not sure how to proceed.  Any suggestions?

Thanks so much.

Answer
It is difficult for me to go against the recommendation of your pathologist with regards to a surgical excision biopsy. I also feel tha a clear and sure diagnosis here is more important than some disfigurement that probably anyhow can be surgically corrected.
So I vote for an excision. But the choice and decision is yours.

Breast Cancer

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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.

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