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Lumpectomy, sentinal node dissection for IDC?

Page last modified on: September 25, 2008
Question from Retha Ann: I've recently been diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. My question is, how successful is lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node dissection in terms of ensuring a clean bill of health?
Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy is a very accepted and effective way to begin the treatment of early stage breast cancer. Long-term prognosis depends on the pathology report from that procedure.

There are other features that will play a role in determining the prognosis, such as the estrogen and progesterone receptors, HER2 status, lymphatic and vascular invasion, size of the tumor, and whether or not the sentinel lymph node—or other nodes—are involved with cancer cells. In addition, we'll be touching on other factors as we move through tonight's program.

On Wednesday, November 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Your Operative and Pathology Reports. Beth Baughman Dupree, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Ann Ainsworth, M.D. answered your questions about details of pathology and operative reports and the importance of discussing them with your doctors.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

Ann Ainsworth, M.D. is a surgical pathologist at Paoli, Bryn Mawr, and Lankenau Hospitals in Pennsylvania.

Marisa Weiss, M.D.Marisa Weiss, M.D., a Philadelphia oncologist, is the founder and president of Breastcancer.org.

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