Suggest Treatment For Stage Zero, Non-invasive Breast Cancer

Posted on Tue, 18 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 7 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Okay, so I've recently been diagnosed with stage zero, non-invasive breast cancer, described as "intermediate, with necrosis." I requested to wait for surgery until the school year is over so that I can keep everything normal for my students. The doctor didn't like the idea at first, but then she noticed that the tumor has been stable for at least the past 7 months and felt it would remain so for the next 2 1/2 mos. Waiting would definitely be best for my schedule and my kids, but I'm wondering if the needle biopsy itself could have released the carcinoma from the duct. Or is it likely that the tumor remained intact and will continue to pose little immediate threat?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer: HAVE THE SURGERY SOONEST. Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Could you please upload the scan report - is it lobular, or ductal cancer ? I would like to have a look at the imaging / biopsy report ( if you can upload these ) to formulate a better opinion. Waiting for close to 3 months is best avoided, in view of a diagnosis of malignancy. The sooner the tumour is removed, the less chance it has of spreading or changing its grade and becoming more aggressive. When you have a diagnosis of a stage zero in hand ( you are lucky its been picked up early ) , why wait and give it even a 5 % chance of becoming something more sinister. ANd yes, needling DOES result in changes within the breast tissue, hence, the sooner the surgery, the better for you. It will buy you peace of mind and the assurance that you did the best you could, as early as you could. My prayers for your early recovery. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar