Hello, I have TNBC Grade 3 and have undergone a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. I also had genetic testing which confirmed that I have the genetic mutation. I now have to have a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer.
My question is: I could physically feel the lump in my breast. My breast surgeon was also able to feel this with his hands. How long would it have been in my body prior to diagnosis?
Many thanks.
Patchy
Patchy
Hi Patchy77765abc6
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Barbara, one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to read about your triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, but it is reassuring to know that you are underway with your treatment, and I do hope you cope well with all the aspects of treatment.
Determining how long a breast lump has been in the body is difficult due to several factors, but generally it is known that breast tumours grow slowly and can take between five – ten years to be detectable, although some types of tumours can grow more quickly over a period of months. Factors which can influence the growth of a tumour: cancer type, grade, hormones and age of the person.
You might want to ask your surgeon about the time scale of your type of tumour, they may only be able to offer an approximate time of how long the tumour has been present, sometimes based on any previous scans and your overall history.
Some further information here from very well health gives an indication of how fast tumour can grow. But it can vary from person to person.
Wishing you well with your ongoing treatment, here is some information from Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan to help with your wellbeing.
Best wishes,
Barbara – Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ BL/VG
