We know this much about my wife's breast cancer.
It is stage III, IDC.
There is a primary site on the top of the breast above the nipple.
Two lymph nodes are also affected - one axillary node and one supraclavicular node.
An ultra sound assisted FNA biopsy of the primary site was done, a CT scan was done days later.
Cell grading and molecular classification of the cells WAS NOT done.
Meeting with the Oncologist provided this information.
He planned four chemo cycles, intended to kill each tiny growth at the two metastatic nodes, and then surgery for the primary site. The surgery to be folowed by 4 more chemo cycles and then radiation. Each Chemo cycle is to be a single intravenous delivery of a drug, then 3 weeks off, repeated 4 times.
There are many types of lymphoma and many chemo drugs serving different purposes. These are my questions.
1. Can a single FNA biopsy of the Primary site and a CT scan provide sufficient information to:
a) determine the cell grade.
b) determine a molecular classification of the cells involved.
c) decide the drug choice for Chemotherapy.
2. How important are a) and b) to an Oncologist in relativity to c).
3. I am interested in an opinion of what has been done.
Thanks, Alan.





