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Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Kathy09 asks

Q: Lumpectomy clear margins

I had a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago and they did not get clear margins I have another surgery scheduled.  How many of these do they do I believe they need 2 cm clear I was about 1/2 cm Do they generally have a good feel for how much to take out the 2nd time

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
6/17/09 10:58pm

Kathy, although what's considered a "clear margin" varies a lot from hospital to hospital and surgeon to surgeon, I've never heard of 2cm being required; the standard I've heard is more like 5mm (1/2cm - just what you had). How many surgeries you need to get clear margins is partially dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon; and partially on just plain luck. So there's really no telling what to expect this next time. I'd definitely ask about the 2cm, though, as that could leave quite a divot in your breast... Good luck to you - hope this time they get it all. PJH

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6/23/09 10:59am

Surgeon went in and found a big pocket of puss, I had no symptoms fever etc She said she never saw anything like this  Called in a ifectious disease doctor have you heard of this what is it

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
6/23/09 11:30am

Sorry, Kathy,I've never heard of this before. I hope the infectious disease specialist can fix you up quickly... PJH

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By Kathy09— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 06/17/09