I just got back my pathology report and it states that there was extensive ductal carcinoma in situ, high grade, solid, comedo, and cribiform in the specimen. It also states that ductal carcinoma in situ present at the margin. The pathologic stage is listed as pT1c, pNX, pMx. Could you please tell me what this means? Should I have further surgery or could radiation work instead?
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Q: What does it mean when your pathology report comes back as ductal carcinoma in-situ?
Answers (3)
12/ 2/09 4:30am
Hi - Please read our Guide to Understanding your Pathology Report - it'll really help you out. Sounds like you have a very early cancer; DCIS is sometimes called a pre-cancer, and it's very treatable.
Looks like they didn't sample lymph nodes, and the tumor is smaller than 2cm. It also sounds like you had a lumpectomy and the surgeon didn't get clean margins? You may want more surgery to try to get clean margins, which means there's no sign of cancer cells in the area right at the edge of the removed tissue. Once you get through surgery, you'll be having radiation, I'd guess; perhaps followed by long-term (5 years or so) hormone therapy, if you cancer is hormone-receptive.
At any rate, ask your surgeon what the next step is, re: further surgery, OK? Good luck - PJH
12/ 4/09 6:21am
Hi - To get the BEST chance of this not returning would probably mean more surgery. But more surgery may only lower your risk of recurrence by a couple of percentage points. Surgeons differ as to what an acceptable margin amount is; your surgeon must be weighing size of margin, your age, and perhaps what type of cancer you have, and deciding no more surgery is the way to go.
Will radiation kill the remaining cells? Hopefully. Is it worth more surgery to remove them that way instead? Maybe. That's the thing with cancer - it's such a guessing game. I'd say go ahead and get a second opinion; or press your current surgeon for more information (predicted rate of recurrence with/without further surgery). If you feel you got through the first surgery without a problem, then you might lean towards another - knowing that the second might not get clean margins either... SIGH. Would that it were simple! Good luck - I hope things go well for you. PJH
12/15/10 2:11pm
jJWell Differentiated Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma with Signate Ring Appearance Meaursing 1.1 No Lympovascular Space Invasiion is Seen. The Pathologic Staging is: pT1c,pNx.
12/15/10 5:00pm
Hi - Infiltrating lobular cancer accounts for about 15% of breast cancer diagnoses. It looks like you have a fairly small tumor, and no lymph node nvolvement (which is very good). You should have some fairly straightforward treatment, then be back on the road to good health. As you get ready to start, you might want to read our posts on diagnosis, and treatment; both are full of excellent links I'm sure you'll find helpful. Best of luck, and come back whenever you have a question or need support - we're here for you! PJH
12/15/10 6:53pm
Thank you so much for the answer it does make me feel better. I"m you will hear from me if I have any more questions. jThanks again
12/15/10 8:44pm
Be well, Lenice... PJ
2/24/11 5:23pm
what does my pathology report mean from my breast biopsy? clear polorazable material is focully present within fibro stroma? Luminal microcalifiations are not apparent
2/24/11 6:38pm
It is always a good idea to go over your pathology report with your doctor because the context can affect the meaning and pathologists can vary in how they word things. Until you can talk to your doctor, you might want to read this guide to understanding your pathology report for some of the most common elements included in the typical report.
2/24/11 8:49pm
Angela, definitely questions for your oncologist. The level of detail you quote is too specific to your case for general interpretation. You'll still want to read our pathology report guide, though, as Phyllis mentions; it'll explain a lot of what you read in your report. Good luck - PJH
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By Concerned patient— Last Modified: 02/24/11, First Published: 12/02/09
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The surgeon doesn't want to take me back to surgery, due to my age (80 yrs) and my other health issues. (I did well after surgery the first time and didn't have any complications during surgery). Should I get a second opinion? The other question I have is, what is the recommended amount of free margin necessary to decrease the chance of the cancer returning. My report states that the free margins on the invasive ductal cancer are <1mm, in all areas. Is this a acceptable amount of free margins?
The Pathology report does say that the "ductal carcinoma in situ is present at the posterior margin". Could the followup radiation destroy the cancer cells that are remaining at this in-situ site? Should I be insistent that I want this in-situ area removed? Please help me understand what I need to request, to get the best chance of this not returning. Thank you.