Inspite of lumpectomy, and clearance of margins, i still have cancerous cells. can somebody explain to me why they do not surgically remove more of the breast in the first place?
Hi beechtree, sorry to hear you have been upgraded to stage 2.
I don’t know the answer sorry but am interested in responses. I assume studies have shown lumpectomy to be effective, but it would be good to see the stats x
I cannot understand why they don't. I asked my surgeon to make sure he took enough because he said 20% of women have to come back for further surgery. That seems so wasteful of resources, never mind the effect on the poor women who have to go through it again. He did take more from me and margins were clear. I had a look at a research study and they found that taking an extra 'shave' of 1 or 2 mm made a difference - 40% fewer women needed further surgery. Maybe it would be more difficult for women with smaller breasts, and bigger lumps. They do try to minimise the damage surgery does to the breast. As an older woman, I didn't care - i just wanted it gone.
