Re-excision

Has anyone had a re-excision after lumpectomy? My surgery was a week and a half ago. I met with the physician's assistant who told me a re-excision "might" be necessary. Her explanation wasn't clear, something about margins being too close to the tumor. I see the surgeon in a few days, but wondered if anyone else has faced the need for additional surgery after a simple lumpectomy. I had IDC, 9 mm tumor, 11:00. Thanks to anyone who has some information, I appreciate it.

Bassitas 

 

 

On 6/21/2009 Bassitas wrote:

Has anyone had a re-excision after lumpectomy? My surgery was a week and a half ago. I met with the physician's assistant who told me a re-excision "might" be necessary. Her explanation wasn't clear, something about margins being too close to the tumor. I see the surgeon in a few days, but wondered if anyone else has faced the need for additional surgery after a simple lumpectomy. I had IDC, 9 mm tumor, 11:00. Thanks to anyone who has some information, I appreciate it.

Bassitas 

 

I had the same thing happen to me.  The margins of noncancerous tissue around the tumor weren't large enough. It's not fun but it's better to be sure all the cancer is gone.  My surgeries were in 2004 and I'm a 5 year survivor now.  Good luck to you!

 

On 6/21/2009 Anybody? wrote:

 

On 6/21/2009 Bassitas wrote:

Has anyone had a re-excision after lumpectomy? My surgery was a week and a half ago. I met with the physician's assistant who told me a re-excision "might" be necessary. Her explanation wasn't clear, something about margins being too close to the tumor. I see the surgeon in a few days, but wondered if anyone else has faced the need for additional surgery after a simple lumpectomy. I had IDC, 9 mm tumor, 11:00. Thanks to anyone who has some information, I appreciate it.

Bassitas 

 

I had the same thing happen to me.  The margins of noncancerous tissue around the tumor weren't large enough. It's not fun but it's better to be sure all the cancer is gone.  My surgeries were in 2004 and I'm a 5 year survivor now.  Good luck to you!

Thanks so much, that's what I was afraid of, that the surgeon didn't get all the cancer.. I wonder, for the re-excision did your surgeon use the same incision as in the original surgery? It's encouraging that you are a five-year survivor. Good for you.

 

Hi! I had the same thing last September. The surgeon will use the same incision and take out a bit more tissue. This second surgery is much easier than the first. It's so important to get clear margins, most surgeons want at least 2 mm of tissue surrounding the tumor where there are no cancer cells. The surgeon is unable to determine this during the surgery; only the pathologist can confirm that the right amount of tissue is clear. My doctor said approximately 40% of women will need this second procedure. I did not stay overnight but went home the same afternoon. You will have greater peace of mind knowing for sure that those margins were clear! Good luck to you and keep the faith!  Rhonda

I had the same thing in January. The tumor was bigger than they thought and the pathologist didn't catch it till they were examining it later and discovered that it was touching one edge of the tissue they took out. They went right back in the same incision and took out some more. Turns out the tissue they took the second time was negative but it certainly made me and my husband feel better. It didn't take long at all.

Yes, same here.Best to be sure.Im 8 yrs clear,so no need to panick to much.