A member asked:

I have a large breast tumor stuck to my chest wall but my breasts are small. can i still get it operated on?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Devon Webster answered

Specializes in Medical Oncology

Yes, but chemo first: It sounds like you will need chemotherapy. If you have breast cancer, and it is large, your doctor will likely advise you to have chemotherapy before surgery. This is called "neoadjuvant" chemotherapy. It will help shrink the cancer, which will make it easier to remove surgically. I have watched tumors the size of a baseball shrink to almost nothing with chemotherapy! best of luck to you!

Answered 11/10/2012

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Dr. Liawaty Ho answered

Specializes in Hematology and Oncology

Breast cancer: The 1st thing you need to have is a complete evaluation to know your stage- to see if there is any involvement to the lymph node and most importantly to know if there is any spread to the distant organ- including the rib cage/bones. If no mets- when the chest wall is involved- surgery can't be the 1st tx. Likely, you will need chemotherapy first- to shrink it down then surgery later, if possible.

Answered 11/9/2012

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Dr. Carlos Encarnacion answered

Specializes in Medical Oncology

Yes: I agree with my colleagues: staging tests first, then chemo, then surgery, and possibly radiation afterwards. Best to you.

Answered 11/9/2012

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