Can breast cancer biopsy interpretation show spread?

Question

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:

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

Please advise.

Answer 1

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.