Non-palpable Breast Lesion refers to a tiny lump that is undetectable
on self-examination or clinical examination by a mammologist.
It is usually a finding of screening mammography and ultrasound.
Because it is not clinically evident, it is more difficult to treat.
Diagnosis
At Breast Care Clinic these tiny lumps are not a problem.
They are initially screened and diagnosed by Minimally Invasive Guided Biopsy like all lumps
that are visible on ultrasound.
Details of this procedure can be found here or
watch a related interview with John Haveles:
Wire Tracing
After diagnosis, surgical treatment follows. Since the tumor is unpigmented, it must be located with a wire, in the office, the day before surgery. The procedure is similar to an ultrasound biopsy, but this time the surgeon will insert a wire guide, which will be followed in the operating room to accurately remove the tiny tumor without damage to the adjacent normal breast. So we get to the operating room…
Localized Lesion Encectomy
It is a particularly painless procedure with excellent aesthetic results. We will perform the most appropriate specialized oncoplastic surgery, which, combined with the small size of the tumor, will be barely visible on the woman’s breasts. This is very important in the long term, as very small malignant tumours (as long as they are treated correctly) allow for an excellent quality of life and survival of up to 100%.
Other treatments
Due to their small size, they usually have not progressed to the lymph nodes, so as a rule chemotherapy is not required, only radiotherapy. A biopsy of the tumor and axillary sentinel lymph nodes, combined with discussion with the oncologist, will lead to a decision on the final treatment plan.
From a related post by Breast Surgeon Ioannis Haveles, on the topic:
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“On the occasion of a recent case in the clinic (tumor only 7 mm, photo above), I want to say a few words about these small, unpigmented tumors.
Typically these are findings of the screening mammogram and ultrasound, at the radiologist, since they have not yet given any symptoms.
Although it is an oxymoron figure, finding a non-symptomatic tumor is essentially a gift to the woman. Why?
It means that a cancer was found early because the woman was consistent in prevention!
It means that a cancer was found early that in a short period of time would grow large enough to threaten metastasis and
spreading to the lymph nodes!
It means that a cancer was found early that if it grew, removing it would mean breast deformity or even mastectomy!
It means that a cancer was found early that, if found in a year, might have required chemotherapy, whereas now only radiation therapy is required!
It means that a cancer was found early that is so small that proper treatment practically leads to a JASIS!
But it also means that special treatment is needed to get all these benefits…
It takes a particularly demanding directed biopsy for diagnosis.
Needs wire tracing before surgery.
It takes seriousness, dedication and expertise.
Needs proper choice of doctor.”
