Is surgery necessary for a radial scar?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 52-year-old, and my annual mammogram showed a 'radial scar,' and they want to do surgery. There is no family history of breast cancer. Everything online is so confusing. Some sources say it is not cancer but could become cancer. The surgeon wants to remove it, but I am wondering if we can just watch and wait. What are the actual chances of it becoming malignant? Also, will the surgery leave a big scar? I am worried about making the wrong decision.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I think surgical excision might not always be necessary, especially if the scar is small and incidentally detected.

Confirming diagnosis with biopsy:

Before making a decision, it is crucial to confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy. This will help determine whether the radial scar is benign or if there are any cancerous cells present. There are different types of biopsies, including:

1. Core needle biopsy: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a hollow needle to remove tissue samples.

2. Vacuum-assisted biopsy: A procedure that uses a vacuum-powered instrument to remove tissue samples.

Radial scars are lesions that can be found in the breast tissue, and they are often detected during mammograms or biopsies. While they are usually benign, there is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer associated with them. However, it is essential to note that radial scars are not premalignant lesions, meaning they will not necessarily develop into cancer.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.