Surgery for newly diagnosed stage 4 MBC?
Hey there. Newly diagnosed with stage 4 MBC ER+PR+HER-, multiple spots in lungs.
When the lump was first discovered the expectation was that it was curable as there was no spread and the lymph nodes looked clean - that all changed with the PET scan.
So…question: The only option offered now is hormone treatment, but the lump is now quite painful, and I truly have questions - based on research as to whether it could be positive to remove the lump/breast if it can be done cleanly.
Has anyone had surgery after receiving an initial stage IV diagnosis and what were the pros/cons?
Any other info also gratefully received.
Comments
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In Australia they tend not to remove the lump if you are stage iv, so I still have mine - although they appear to be reducing in size since I began treatment.
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@malleemiss251 thanks for the answer! I’m trying to figure out options as for me it is not clear this is the only way forward..
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In the US, not removing the primary breast tumor of a stage IV patient had been standard for quite a long time. In recent years, I have noticed more stage IV patients having mastectomies or lumpectomies. I don’t know, from a medical point of view, what has changed but from my casual observations, it is being done. If you are in pain, I think that makes a good argument for removal. All surgeries carry risks so it is not a benign procedure but again, if you’re in pain it seems surgery might alleviate it. Take care
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