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Can breast cancer biopsy interpretation show spread?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

This is for my wife's breast cancer report. I want your opinion on the case and the pathology report. As you can see in the biopsy report, it is grade 2 (T3, N1, M1).

I want to know the following:

  1. Will it be the same as the specimen after the surgery?
  2. Can a biopsy show distant metastasis?

Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Utkarsh Sharma

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Utkarsh Sharma is an experienced General Pathologist specializing in the accurate diagnosis of diseases through laboratory testing and tissue analysis. He has expertise in clinical pathology, hematology, microbiology, and histopathology, ensuring precise and timely results to guide effective patient care. With a meticulous approach and strong analytical skills, Dr. Sharma plays a vital role in supporting physicians and enhancing patient outcomes through reliable diagnostic insights.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have seen the attached reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). The Nottingham scale is used to classify the grade of the tumor. A score is given according to histology. The higher the score, the poorer the differentiation and the higher the grade. Grade 2 is moderate differentiation.

The score is more reliable on the resection specimen. Surgery is indicated, as the tumor histology is malignant. Testing is also required, and it is called FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization), the results of which will guide further treatment. This testing will be done on the biopsy tissue. To answer further to your query, a resection will include axillary lymph nodes as well, and then the staging will be done. Resection, however, will not tell about distant metastasis.

A PET scan (positron emission tomography) can be helpful. I hope I answered your queries and understand the overwhelming emotions in these difficult times. But I hope for a good prognosis, as the lesion is very small.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At March 18, 2023
Reviewed At December 15, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Utkarsh Sharma is an experienced General Pathologist specializing in the accurate diagnosis of diseases through laboratory testing and tissue analysis. He has expertise in clinical pathology, hematology, microbiology, and histopathology, ensuring precise and timely results to guide effective patient care. With a meticulous approach and strong analytical skills, Dr. Sharma plays a vital role in supporting physicians and enhancing patient outcomes through reliable diagnostic insights.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Utkarsh Sharma is an experienced General Pathologist specializing in the accurate diagnosis of diseases through laboratory testing and tissue analysis. He has expertise in clinical pathology, hematology, microbiology, and histopathology, ensuring precise and timely results to guide effective patient care. With a meticulous approach and strong analytical skills, Dr. Sharma plays a vital role in supporting physicians and enhancing patient outcomes through reliable diagnostic insights.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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