Breast Mass

Diagnosis

A mass in the right breast with signs of skin infiltration and metastases in the regional lymphatic zone on the right.

Response from the Gynecologist and Breast Specialist, Dr. Jörg Falbrede

Based on the information provided, only a preliminary assessment can be made. Accordingly, the initial diagnostic and treatment plan is as follows:

• The size of the tumor and the involvement of lymph nodes indicate the need for primary (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy.
• Before deciding on chemotherapy, it is necessary to determine the tumor type, perform a biochemical assessment, establish the stage of the disease, and examine the entire body for metastases.
• If metastases are detected and tumor analysis shows that we are dealing with a receptor-positive tumor, chemotherapy may not be required.
• Once we receive the results of all examinations: gynecological assessment, staging, histological and biochemical analysis, CT scan of the chest and abdominal organs, and bone scintigraphy, we will prepare a treatment plan.
• The need for chemotherapy or hormone therapy with CDK4/6 inhibitors can be determined only after the diagnostic work-up. If treatment with trastuzumab-pertuzumab or ribociclib/palbociclib is required, the cost may be around 3,000–4,000 EUR per month. The first treatment cycle lasts 6 months. After the first cycle, further therapy may be needed, but this cannot be predicted at this stage.
• The total cost of treatment, including surgery and radiotherapy (if required), can only be calculated after the “tumor profile” has been established and an individual treatment strategy chosen.
• This is the optimal general treatment plan. An individual treatment plan will be prepared after the diagnostic procedures.
• The cost of treatment according to the individualized plan may be significantly lower.

We can admit the patient to our clinic in the near future. It is very important to avoid unnecessary procedures if metastases are detected during the diagnostic process.

Patient’s Questions

• How many days are needed to complete the diagnostic examinations?
• When will the biopsy results be available?

Physician’s Answer

• The diagnostic work-up takes 1–2 days.
• On average, histological analysis takes 7–10 days after the biopsy material has been delivered to the laboratory.

Estimated cost of diagnostics: 2,200 EUR

Examples of treatments presented on this website are NOT medical recommendations and are for informational purposes only.