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What Does This Lab Report Post Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer Indicate?
Question: My sister who was diagnosed with second stage of breast cancer three years ago went through the chemo and radio therapies had her latest test report mention: "The liver is normal in size. Parenchyma in right lobe reveals 3-4 hypoechoic SOLs. Largest two measures 31 x 31 mm and 33 x 25 mm in segments 7 and 5 respectively. Intra hepatic portal channels, Billary system, Kidneys, Spleen and pancreas reports are normal.
Does this mean it could be a re-occurrence/metastasis of the breast cancer? Please help.
Does this mean it could be a re-occurrence/metastasis of the breast cancer? Please help.
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question to HCM.
From the information you have provided, your sister was treated for stage two breast cancer in the past with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Her oncologist has been most likely following with laboratory studies and imaging as well, which you have reported. From the report it appears that there are three or four space occupying lesions within the liver. A space occupying lesion can represent growth of tumors or possibly metastatic disease from a primary cancer.
These findings in the liver need to be assessed further. A biopsy may be necessary. There is a possibility that this may represent a recurrence of the breast cancer.
I would encourage her to follow up with her oncologist for for the recommendations.A PET scan is reasonable as this Will help determine if the areas in the liver are metabolically active and if there are any other areas in the body which might be suspicious including the chest and remainder of the abdomen and pelvis.
Depending on the results of the PET scan, a biopsy might be the next step.
I want to reassure you that even if this does represent a recurrence of breast cancer there are many good available treatments to help keep the cancer in good remission.
Again I encouraged her to continue to follow up with her oncologist as planned.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for sending the question to HCM.
From the information you have provided, your sister was treated for stage two breast cancer in the past with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Her oncologist has been most likely following with laboratory studies and imaging as well, which you have reported. From the report it appears that there are three or four space occupying lesions within the liver. A space occupying lesion can represent growth of tumors or possibly metastatic disease from a primary cancer.
These findings in the liver need to be assessed further. A biopsy may be necessary. There is a possibility that this may represent a recurrence of the breast cancer.
I would encourage her to follow up with her oncologist for for the recommendations.A PET scan is reasonable as this Will help determine if the areas in the liver are metabolically active and if there are any other areas in the body which might be suspicious including the chest and remainder of the abdomen and pelvis.
Depending on the results of the PET scan, a biopsy might be the next step.
I want to reassure you that even if this does represent a recurrence of breast cancer there are many good available treatments to help keep the cancer in good remission.
Again I encouraged her to continue to follow up with her oncologist as planned.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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